Our History
History of ASOBEXS UK
ASOBEXS UK, an alumni association formed by graduates of the 1994 class of a prominent educational institution, has a rich and vibrant history that reflects the dedication of its members to fostering community and connection among its alumni. The journey of ASOBEXS UK began in November 2008, when some classmates from the class of '94 met in Lewisham, London, for the first time since their graduation. This reunion was a pivotal moment that sparked the desire to create a more structured community for alumni living in the UK.
In the summer of 2009, the class of '94 gathered again, this time with a mission to draft a constitution for the association. This effort laid the groundwork for regular engagement among members, leading to the establishment of quarterly meetings hosted in various cities across the UK, including London, Southampton, Northampton, Luton, and Coventry, between 2009 and 2011. These meetings not only strengthened bonds among the alumni but also provided a platform for discussing issues pertinent to the community.
The year 2011 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the association as the class of '94 opened its membership to other batches. This expansion led to the official formation of ASOBEXS UK, with Esseme Henry being voted in as the first president. Under his leadership, the association began to flourish, seeing an increased participation and engagement.
In 2013, Clifford Nkwenteyim was elected president, further cultivating the spirit of camaraderie among members. His presidency witnessed a noticeable increase in membership and vibrant meetings, which often lasted an entire weekend, fostering deeper connections among alumni.
The growth trajectory continued in 2014 when Teddy Effesoa was elected president. Under his leadership, ASOBEXS UK not only expanded its membership numbers but also achieved financial stability. The association’s constitution was amended to include a broader and more active executive body, reflecting the growing needs and aspirations of its members.
2015 was a landmark year as ASOBEXS UK hosted its first charity event in Leicester, which turned out to be a resounding success. This event underscored the association’s commitment to giving back to the community. Membership continued to improve, and ASOBEXS began networking with other associations in the UK, establishing itself as one of the most impactful alumni organisations within the Cameroonian community.
The momentum carried into 2016 with another successful charity event. In 2017, Julius Fomenky was elected as president, and under his guidance, the executive committee continued to focus on increasing membership and organising additional charity events in 2018 and 2019.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges. Despite the difficulties, ASOBEXS UK adapted effectively by holding virtual meetings, and the executive committee successfully maintained engagement with members during this period.
In 2022, Jules Fonane K. was elected president. Under his leadership, the association has experienced the highest number of registered members in its history. The vibrancy of ASOBEXS UK has continued to thrive, culminating in a successful charity ball hosted in 2023 to raise funds for their alma mater.
Looking to the future, the ambitions of ASOBEXS UK under Jules Fonane K.’s leadership include, hosting the first ASOBEXS convention in the summer of 2025 and expanding membership beyond the UK to include Asobexsians residing across Europe. This strategic rebranding aims to transform ASOBEXS UK into ASOBEXS Europe by 2025.
The journey of ASOBEXS continues, driven by the commitment of its members to uphold the values of community, support, and connection among alumni.
