Life Story
The journey and enduring legacy of a man defined by faith, hard work, and deep love for his family and community.
Dr. Gabriel Ndimuyang Tanwani lived a life of extraordinary purpose. From his humble beginnings in Ngwokwong Village to his professional successes and his commitment to his family, his story is one of unwavering determination and grace.
Early Life & Education
Gabriel was born on May 26, 1960, in Ngwokwong Village, Momo Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon, to Tanwani Azah and Phebe Afor. He was the firstborn of six children — five boys and one girl — and from an early age developed a strong sense of responsibility, determination, and commitment to family.
He began his education at Presbyterian School Ngwokwong and later attended Presbyterian School Acha-Tugi, where he completed his primary education in 1973. He subsequently attended the Progressive Touch-Typing Institute in Bamenda.
Gabriel began his professional career as a typist at the Presbyterian Church Center in Bamenda and later served as Bursar at Presbyterian Secondary School Batibo. While working, he continued pursuing his education independently, successfully completing both his GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations as an external candidate.
His determination to advance academically eventually took him to Nigeria, where he attended the University of Lagos and earned a Master of Science degree in accounting in 1986. He later continued his education and earned a PhD in Healthcare Administration.
Career & Family
Throughout his professional life, Gabriel held several positions of increasing responsibility. His career included employment with SNEC in Bamenda, SNH in Douala, Pioneer Agro-Genetique Yaoundé Cameroon S.A., Crédit Agricole Bank, and the Cameroon National Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW).
A man of vision and enterprise, Gabriel became the founder of Express Savings and Credit Cameroon (EXSAC-CAM). After relocating to the United States, he founded and operated Amity Tax & Financial Services, Inc.
His passion for education and empowering future generations also led him to become a Founder, Promoter, and Chancellor of Global Polytechnic Higher Institute in Yaoundé and Global Higher Institute in Douala, Cameroon. He believed strongly that education, hard work, perseverance, and entrepreneurship could transform lives.
In 1987, Gabriel met his wife, Helen, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. They married in 1988 and shared 38 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, accomplishments, challenges, faith, perseverance, and treasured memories.
Gabriel was a devoted family man who loved his wife and children deeply. He took great pride in his children and consistently encouraged them to pursue education, independence, and excellence. He also maintained a special relationship with his brothers and sister and was someone his extended family could depend upon for guidance, encouragement, and support.
Faith & Legacy
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Gabriel enjoyed traditional music and cultural activities, bringing people together, mentoring younger people, helping others develop businesses, and supporting family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking, particularly traditional dishes such as plantains and vegetables.
Gabriel was a Presbyterian Christian by faith, and the values of faith, generosity, perseverance, service, and family remained important throughout his life. He will be remembered as a man who was loving, hardworking, generous, humorous, determined, family-oriented, community-minded, and passionate about helping others succeed.
His greatest legacy is reflected in his family — the relationships he helped build, the children he helped raise, the grandson who knew and loved him, and the generations who will carry forward the values, memories, and lessons connected to his life. It is found, too, in the institutions he helped build — Global Polytechnic Higher Institute and Global Higher Institute among them — and in the many lives he touched: family members, friends, colleagues, students, and members of his community who experienced his generosity, humor, guidance, and support.
Dr. Gabriel Ndimuyang Tanwani leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 38 years; his children, including Helga Tanwani, Brillen Tanwani, and Daisy Tanwani; his grandson; his five siblings; extended family members; friends; colleagues; students; associates; and many well-wishers in Cameroon, the United States, and beyond.
For his wife and children, his legacy is deeply personal — found in shared memories, family traditions, conversations, sacrifices, and lessons learned, and in the life they built together. For his grandson and the generations that follow, his story becomes part of the family history that will continue to be told. Though his physical presence is no longer with them, his name, his values, and the memories he created will continue through those who loved him.
Forever Loved. Forever Remembered.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)