By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Dr. Fai Fominyen Ngu Edward, a leading figure in African traditional medicine, has been awarded an honorary Doctorate degree by the ICT University (ICT-U) Cameroon Campus, in collaboration with the Green Centre Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Centre Academy in Nigeria.
The degree was conferred during the 2025 Convocation Ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, under the theme: “Natural Medicine: A Panacea for Socio-Economic Development.”
Dr. Darlington of the Green Centre Institute praised Dr. Fominyen’s contributions, stating: “We congratulate Dr. Fai Fominyen Ngu Edward on this remarkable achievement. His tireless efforts to promote traditional medicine have left an indelible mark on the world, and we are honoured to recognise his work.”
Widely known as Pa Fai, Dr. Fominyen has dedicated over five decades to advancing traditional medicine, empowering communities, and earning global recognition. His pioneering efforts in Cameroon have been instrumental in organising traditional medical practitioners, laying the groundwork for the country’s traditional medicine sector.
Dr. Fominyen has consistently advocated for collaboration between conventional and traditional medicine to promote holistic healing. He also organised Cameroon’s largest international conference of traditional healers, which brought together representatives from 11 African nations and the United States.
His achievements earned him the traditional honorary title of “Ngwe Africa” (the Leopard of Africa). He has held leadership roles in several organisations, including the West Cameroon Association of Herbalists and the National Association of Cameroon Traditional Medical Practitioners.
Internationally, Dr. Fominyen has been recognised for his contributions. In South Africa, he was elected Honorary President of the Nyangazezizwe Traditional Healers Organization, and in Burkina Faso, he was named Honorary President of Tradi-Therapeute Sans Frontier.
He has also shared his expertise at scientific conferences, particularly in HIV/AIDS research within traditional medicine, across Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Togo, and Benin. In Uganda, he was appointed by the African Union as coordinator of an executive body for traditional medical practitioners across five countries.
Dr. Fominyen’s global influence extends beyond Africa. He has participated in cultural exchanges in China, exploring the use of plants in medicine and clothing. In India, he exchanged knowledge on the combined healing powers of faith, animals, and plants. He has also presented on African traditional medicine at conferences in the United States (Los Angeles) and Germany (Velbert).
The honorary doctorate is widely seen as a fitting tribute to Dr. Fominyen’s enduring legacy. As he joins the ranks of esteemed professionals, his work continues to inspire future generations in the field of traditional medicine.
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