Ngoran Aristide Tahtinnyuy, a young Cameroonian from Nso, Bui Division in the North West region, has set a new record at Tokai University in Japan, becoming the first international student to graduate as the best student in civil engineering. Her outstanding academic performance has earned her a prestigious award, marking a historic achievement not only for her but for Cameroon as well.
“The moment I received the award, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment,” Ngoran shares. “It’s an incredible honor and a milestone not just for me but for all international students from Cameroon and Africa striving to excel in their academic pursuits.”
Growing up in Cameroon, Ngoran witnessed firsthand the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, particularly the struggle to maintain unpaved roads in rural areas. This motivated her to pursue civil engineering and seek solutions to the issues affecting her community.
“In many parts of Cameroon, roads become impassable during the rainy season, cutting off communities from essential services and economic opportunities,” she explains. “I wanted to find ways to make our roads more sustainable.”
Her journey to Japan was fueled by a desire to gain a global perspective and learn from one of the world’s most advanced engineering landscapes. However, the road to success was not without its challenges.
“One of the biggest hurdles I faced was the language barrier,” she recalls. “Although some courses were in English, most were in Japanese. Daily life, research collaboration, and even simple conversations required proficiency in the language.”
Determined not to let this obstacle stand in her way, Ngoran took private language lessons, obtained certifications in Japanese modernization, and actively engaged with local students. “I knew that if I wanted to thrive in this environment, I had to immerse myself completely,” she says.
Her perseverance paid off when she successfully defended her Master’s degree thesis, titled “The Recycle of Paper and Plastic Waste in the Stabilization of Weak Soils for Civil Engineering Construction Projects, Especially Unpaved Roads.” The research focused on sustainable construction methods, offering innovative solutions for waste management and road durability.
“My goal was to address two major challenges—improving road stability while finding an environmentally friendly way to repurpose waste,” she explains. “If plastic and paper waste can be used to reinforce weak soils, we can extend the lifespan of unpaved roads and reduce pollution at the same time.”
Ngoran’s academic excellence and groundbreaking research led to her recognition as the Most Outstanding Graduate in Civil Engineering—an achievement that cements her place as a trailblazer.
“This award is not just for me, it’s for every African student striving to break barriers,” she says. “I hope it inspires others to dream big and pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zones.”
Looking ahead, Ngoran aspires to contribute to infrastructure development in Cameroon and Africa by collaborating with international organizations like the United Nations goal and the African Union.
“My goal is to work on sustainable infrastructure projects that improve transportation and economic access for communities,” she shares. “I also hope to facilitate knowledge exchange between Japan and Cameroon, bringing innovative engineering solutions to my home country.”
For young Africans with big dreams, her message is clear:
“Be ambitious, be prepared, and be persistent. Success is not about where you come from—it’s about how determined you are to achieve your goals."
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