Vocational training: Bridge Institute unveils first e-learning platform in Cameroon.

The institution, authorised by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, launched operation and presented its digital learning platform at a ceremony in Douala on February 8, 2025.

The event was chaired by the Littoral Regional Delegate of Employment and Vocational Training, Ahmadou Bobbo. This was in the presence of several stakeholders, including industry and professional training officials.

The Regional Delegate praised the uniqueness of Bridge Institute E-learning platform, underscoring the place of digital skills in a technology-driven world. He stated that distance learning can only be effective with offers such as those of Bridge Institute.

Ahmadou Bobbo said the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training finds the institute vital; given that “we have launched initiatives, including the Douala Training System where students combine classroom learning with hands-on industry experience”.

Abbo added that the ministry “promotes Recognition of Prior Leaning, RPL, to certify informal skills acquired outside traditional education systems”. 

At the moment, he said, in line with the vision of government, they are focusing on “digital skills, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven professions to keep pace with the global economy”.

The delegate said the ministry is in support of the “development of e-learning platforms like BRIDGE Trainings which provide accessible and industry-relevant training programs”.

Why Bridge Institute?

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, and Founder, Oliver Lafen, said the Institute comes to fill a void that is limiting the potentials of young people and other professionals.

Lafen stated that: “The inspiration behind this platform stems from the growing need for flexible, accessible and high-quality vocational training that meets global standards”.

Lafen underscored that many fresh professionals in the country “struggle to acquire relevant technical skills and digital training locally often turning to foreign platforms”, declaring that “our vision is to bridge this gap by providing certified industry-relevant courses that empower learners to succeed in today’s competitive job market”.

The CEO said Bridge Institute is different, given that it beefs up trainees with skills that address the needs of the job market. 

“Our platform integrates real-world case studies, hands-on projects and industry-relevant training to equip learners with marketable skills,” Lafen said. 

Lafen said Bridge Institute also empowers teachers and other schools through the provision of digital and electronic learning resources “to enhance their training”. 

He further remarked that Bridge Institute’s platform provides “customized corporate training solutions, helping companies up the skills of their work force, boost productivity and stay competitive”.

The vision bearer said they have begun with the pilot phase focusing on “IT, software development, marketing and digital finance”, before indicating that other courses will take off gradually.

Technical Director assures quality 

The Technical Director of Bridge Institute, Ebune Joseph, told reporters that the platform is built with the best technology having a “backup system that ensures all data is automatically backed up in multiple secure locations”.

Ebune said training programs are approved by the vocational training ministry and accredited by Continuing Professional Development, CPD, scheme. 

The official noted that: “These accreditations ensure that our courses meet both national and international education standards, making our certifications widely recognised by employers and institutions”.

One of those who lived the launching of the learning system, Nguepi Paul, hailed presentations on online learning, stating that he is “confident that it is an institution for other schools and professionals” to work with.

Another stakeholder, Pascal Mayo, expressed delight that it is a platform with capacity to address skills that tie with the country’s realities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3368 of Monday February 17, 2025