Visionary Reports

In an exclusive press briefing held Friday, January 16, 2026, Paul Nguepi, the Founding President of the ISAC-ESMOD University Group, detailed a transformative new chapter for his institution. Following a decade of specialized training in Douala (Grand Moulin Deido), the group is scaling its academic reach through a landmark partnership with the University of Dschang.The turning point for the institution occurred on January 14, 2025, with the signing of a formal framework agreement and an academic partnership. This collaboration, witnessed by the Rector of the University of Dschang and representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, officially transitions ISAC-ESMOD into the University Institute of Central Africa (ISAC).Under this agreement, the institute is now authorized to offer accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in high-demand vocational fields, including:* Hospitality and Tourism* Fashion Design and Pattern Making* Art, Decoration, and Hairdressing* Management Sciences.President Paul Nguepi emphasized that this partnership serves as a “safety net” for students. By aligning with the University of Dschang—consistently ranked among the top universities in Central Africa—ISAC-ESMOD ensures its diplomas carry international weight.”The credibility of our degrees is absolute,” Nguepi stated. “Programs are strictly organized under the LMD (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) system. Our students are graded according to Dschang’s rigorous standards, and their final diplomas bear the official letterhead of the host university, ensuring total academic equivalency.”Moreover,in a bold announcement regarding the future, Nguepi revealed that negotiations are underway to launch Doctoral programs.

While the University of Ebolowa is currently the primary body authorized for certain doctoral supervisions in Cameroon, a specific proposal is being drafted to allow students to pursue a PhD in Fashion. This would enable students to complete high-level research at ESMOD while receiving a degree validated by the University of Dschang.Beyond academia, ISAC-ESMOD has become a vital pipeline for the Cameroonian workforce. The group has produced hundreds of entrepreneurs and training center founders. Notably, the institute maintains a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defense.”Several of our graduates have joined the Cameroonian army as senior officers,” Nguepi noted. “Their technical expertise is directly contributing to the local production of military uniforms and the promotion of national ‘Made in Cameroon’ expertise.”Nevertheless,the enthusiasm for this new academic era is echoed by the student body:Feudjo Bernada, a Fashion Design student, highlighted the curriculum’s versatility, citing specialized training in technical drawing, pattern making, and men’s tailoring.Blondel Raïssa, who joined after obtaining her Brevet de Technicien (BT), chose the School of Fashion Design specifically for its unique specializations in Arts and Decoration.

By HENRY WANA