Sacred Heart College began as an all boys institution founded in 1961 by the Mill Hill missionaries. The first class of 30-odd students was started by Rev. Fr. Thomas Mulligan, at the campus of R.C.M Big Mankon due to the lack of appropriate infrastructure. This was to cater for boys from Bamenda who passed the entrance examination into Sasse College Buea.
A Brief History
The first batch of students graduated in 1966, the same year the Mill Hill missionaries handed over administration of the school to the Marist brothers. On the July 8th that same year, the college was officially inaugurated by Hon. Augustine Ngong Jua, the late former Prime Minister of West Cameroon. The high school science section was opened in 1978, with the arts department following suit a year later.
On the 2nd of May, 1972, the principal at the time, Rev. Brother John Phillips summoned a meeting of the alumni. Due to the regrettable absence of ex-students at the 10-year anniversary, he aimed to organize an alumni association. A second meeting was quickly arranged on June 12th. The first executive was formed, with Mr Ebot Ntui as the National President, and Mr. Ngwambe Fuh Gabriel as the Vice National President. This marked the official birth of the Sacred Heart Ex-Students Association (SHESA). The constitution was consequently drawn, with the primary aim of promoting the teachings of the Alma matter, i.e. the pursuit of excellence in all fields, academics, morals, sports, brotherhood and civic responsibility.
SaHeCo, as Sacred Heart College is fondly called by all, has repeatedly performed exceptionally in all fields of human development, very often achieving a perfect score in both the G.C.E Ordinary and Advanced levels. Due to astute moral training, students and ex-students have both developed a God-fearing and morally upright attitude. The college is also renowned for its singing, with visitors coming from near and far to enjoy this singing during the holy mass celebration on Sundays. Sports and athletics are additional fields of pride for the college, regularly participating with glaring performances in sporting competitions. Young boys have grown into mature men, being successful in all walks of life and in every part of the world.
The college currently has around a thousand students enrolled. There have been 11 principals, the longest serving being Brother John Phillips (1970 – 1993). The current principal is Father Michael Kintang and here is the complete list:
- Fr Thomas Mulligan MHM (RIP)
- Fr Matthew Minto MHM (RIP)
- Fr Martin Van der Werf MHM (RIP) – Then the Marist Brothers of the School took over the administration
- Br Vincent Traynor
- Br Justin Keady
- Br John Philips
- Br Nobert Simms (Acting)
- Br Joseph McKee – Then the diocesan priests of the Archdiocese of Bamenda took over
- Fr Clemens Ndze
- Fr John Bosco Ambe
- Fr Michael Seka Kintang