Pa Bonu's dedication to his teaching duties as a teacher earned him a scholarship to study abroad. His studies was to earn him a Diploma in Rural Education. The recommendation came from Rev. Fr. John McDermott who was the the Parish Priest of Bangangu and Manager of Catholic Mission Schools. In his reference, Fr. McDermott stated, "Mr. Barnabas Bonu has been known by me since 1938 as a pupil, student and teacher. He was specially known to me during my term of office as Principal of Teachers' Training College and Supervisor of the Catholic Mission Schools. At present, he is the supervising headmaster and rural science specialist of our school at Bangangu. He is a very hard working and efficient teacher. The farm and vegetable gardens are credit to him. He has also greatly helped to beautify the school compound by planting of variety of flowers and ornamental shrubs. The paths and roads have been neatly lined up with cypress hedges and eucalyptus trees. As supervising headmaster of a double-stream school up to standard VI he has shown himself to have a great sense of responsibility and also to be a very good organizer. His character is most satisfactory. He is well recommended". Signed: John McDemott, Manager Catholic Mission Schools, Bangangu
In September of 1964, Pa Bonu with other colleagues flew from Tiko airport to Calabar, Lagos and from Calabar to London. After completing all the requirements at the Cameroon embassy, they left by train for The University of Reading Institute of Education. It is worth noting that their hostel was at a Y.M.C.A.(Young Men's Christian Association).
In 1965, Pa Bonu was awarded the Diploma in Rural Education at the University of Reading Institute of Education after completing one academic year.