The Bridge Program, an entrepreneurial leadership training platform hosted by the Afara Initiative, held the 2024 edition of its initiating bootcamp in two cohorts, for the first time: the summer cohort (August) and the winter cohort (December). Four UIMSAites, namely Thelma Mpieri (2k25), Igdaliah Otitoola (2k25), Sixtus Ezeadum (2k23), Victor Mong (2k23), and Michael Paul (2k23), were part of the 84 individuals chosen for the winter cohort of the bootcamp which took place from Sunday 15th to Monday 23rd December at Ikeja, Lagos State. We reached out to them to hear about their experience at the bootcamp and hear their thoughts on the Program as a whole.
How did you get to know about TBP?
Thelma recounted hearing about TBP from a couple of her friends in the hostel: “They were talking about the application process and the essays. Apparently I was the only one who wasn’t aware of the program amongst us. This was on the application deadline so I knew that I had missed the opportunity so I made a mental note to check it out when next applications opened. Luckily, the deadline was moved by a week and my friends encouraged me to submit my application this time.”
Michael’s experience was also somewhat providential: “I first heard about TBP through a coursemate’s status [Okei Faith]. She was recently inducted into the TBP’23 Fellowship (in December 2024). She posted that applications were open, and I clicked the link and applied for it.”
How did you feel getting into the program?
Michael regarded himself as having achieved a milestone: “Throughout the series of interview stages, I promised myself to give genuine answers, and not to overthink the entire process. I think I was more satisfied with how I viewed my responses than the potential outcome of their decision, and that is a system I’ve consciously come to adapt [sic]… thankfully, the response was positive.”
Thelma shared in the excitement: “The application process was quite rigorous. Whenever they sent mails that I had qualified for the next round, I became more hopeful and when I got the acceptance letter, I was so excited. It mattered so much to me that I was going for this program. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I had heard so many wonderful stories and I was looking forward to being a fellow.”
What three things stood out to you the most about the program?
Thelma particularly enjoyed the ‘incredibly cohesive classes’, the ‘remarkable diversity’ among the fellows, and the schedule. “Every element, from the games to the lessons and activities were seamlessly connected. Those classes challenged my beliefs and mental models. It was such an experience. Also, everybody had a unique story, and while you might expect this to lead to misunderstandings while at camp, it was the opposite. We connected effortlessly, sharing perspectives and learning from one another. In just a week, they became like family. In addition, the schedule challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, especially with my sleeping habits, but I loved every moment. Normally, I hate working long hours, but it never felt draining because the activities were so energetic and enjoyable. One night, I stayed up late and didn’t even feel tired—it was that fun!”
For Michael, it was the self-reflection during the application and the experiential learning process: “Their questions throughout the interview stages always required some self-reflection. They made me sit back and critically think about why I do what I do, and that made me appreciate my growth a lot more. Furthermore, their learning models of using games, videos, and scenarios to teach us certain lessons worked like magic, because this system made us arrive at the point they were driving at, ourselves.”
We hear the camp is only the first stage of the program. What do you expect moving forward?
Thelma was enthusiastic: “Yes. There’s still work to be done and I’ll be working with my teammates on a project. This is still in the development phase but I’m really looking forward to it.” Michael was even more enthusiastic: “I’m looking forward to working with my project members and networking with other members of TBP ’24 Winter Cohort to actualize the brilliant ideas we came up with during the physical bootcamp. I’m looking to build long-lasting relationships with these brilliant global Leaders I got to connect with.”
What word do you have for UIMSAites?
Paul encouraged UIMSAites to take advantage of opportunitites for professional and self-development: “More broadly, I’d encourage UIMSAites to outsource for [sic] opportunities to build themselves, especially in areas of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, as these are important towards self-improvement and nation-building.”
Thelma believes it’s an experience everyone should have: “This program exceeded my expectations in every way. My experience at TBP was amazing. I was privileged to connect with exceptional students all over Nigeria, learn so much about leadership, and gain fresh perspectives… If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t even hesitate for a moment.”
Igdaliah Otitoola.
