HomeAbout Us
About the College
Our story, our faith, our mission
Founded in 1963 under the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes, the College has educated generations of Cameroonian women in faith, learning and service.
Our History
From a parish building to a college of distinction
Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School was founded in 1963 through the vision and commitment of Rev. Fr. Nabben. Its story is one of faith in the potential of girls, and of the religious sisters, teachers and families who have kept that faith for more than sixty years.
1963 · THE VISION
A priest who believed in educating girls
At a time when the education of girls was not widely prioritised, Rev. Fr. Nabben, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Parish Mankon, saw that quality Christian education could transform the lives of girls, strengthen families and contribute to the development of the nation.
1963 · THE FOUNDING
Authorised by Bishop Peeters
Once a school building was completed, Fr. Nabben sought and received authorisation from Bishop Peeters, then Catholic Bishop of West Cameroon. St. Joseph’s Parish provided the original building, and the school was placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes.
15 OCTOBER 1963 · OPENING DAY
One of Cameroon’s first girls’ secondary schools
The school opened its doors on 15 October 1963, joining Saker Baptist College, Limbe, and Queen of the Rosary College, Okoyong, among the few all-girls secondary schools then operating in Cameroon.
THE HOLY ROSARY SISTERS
A tradition of excellence and discipline
The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary took responsibility for the formation and education of the students, establishing a tradition of academic excellence, Christian discipline, personal responsibility and leadership among young women.
THE FIRST DORMITORIES
Immaculata, Rosary, Fatima and Bernadette
The original boarding establishment was organised around four principal dormitories, names still at the heart of Lourdes boarding life.
2005 · A COLLEGE
The high school section opens
Under the leadership of Sr. Eucharia Ndidi, a high school section was added, and Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School became Our Lady of Lourdes College Mankon. Two further houses, Shanahan and St. Paul, joined the expanded college.
2013 · GOLDEN JUBILEE
Fifty years of service
The College celebrated fifty years of Catholic education and service.
2023 · DIAMOND JUBILEE
Sixty years of educating girls
The Diamond Jubilee marked sixty years of educating girls and preparing women for service in Cameroon and across the world.
Mission & Vision
Why Lourdes exists
Our Mission
Educating in faith and love
To provide girls with excellent secondary education rooted in the Catholic faith, academic discipline, personal integrity, responsible leadership and loving service to God and humanity.
Our Vision
Women who serve the world
To remain a leading Catholic institution for girls, developing academically accomplished, spiritually grounded, disciplined and compassionate women who serve their communities and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Core Values
Twelve values, one way of life
Alumni describe their Lourdes formation in terms of honesty, integrity, self-discipline, hard work and the preparation of Christian women leaders.
Faith & Formation
A Catholic heart under Our Lady’s patronage
The spiritual identity of Our Lady of Lourdes College is central to its mission. Founded within the Catholic tradition and placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes, the College treats education itself as a form of Christian service.
The motto, To Serve With Love, is lived out in prayer, worship and practical care for others.
Holy Mass & prayer
Mass, morning and evening prayer give shape to each boarding day.
Marian devotion
The Rosary and devotion to Our Lady, patroness of the College.
Retreats
Spiritual retreats and sacramental preparation for students.
Our anthem
Students sing Come Children of the Rosary. [Official lyrics to be supplied.]
School Leadership
Office of the Principal
The Principal provides academic, spiritual and administrative leadership to Our Lady of Lourdes College Mankon, working with the Archdiocese of Bamenda, the Catholic Education Secretariat, religious sisters, teachers, support staff, parents, students and alumni.
College Profile
Lourdes at a glance
| FIELD | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Official name | Our Lady of Lourdes College Mankon |
| Former name | Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School Mankon |
| GCE Board name | Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary College Mankon · Centre No. 11025 |
| Abbreviations | OLALOCO · OLLC |
| Location | Mankon, Bamenda, Mezam Division, North-West Region, Cameroon |
| Founded | 1963 · officially opened 15 October 1963 |
| Founder | Rev. Fr. Nabben |
| Ownership | Roman Catholic · Archdiocese of Bamenda |
| Religious administration | Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary |
| School type | Private denominational secondary and high school |
| Students | Girls only · full boarding |
| Classes | Form One to Upper Sixth |
| Language of instruction | English |
| School colours | Cream and red |
| Anthem | Come Children of the Rosary |
| Publication | Lourdes Beats |
| Brother school | Sacred Heart College Mankon |
| Alumni | Lourdes Ex-Students Association (LESA) · LESANs |
Admissions 2026/2027
Give your daughter a Lourdes education
Form One and Lower Sixth places are offered each year. Speak to the admissions office about entrance requirements, boarding and fees.