Benyella Njeko

Born 1982, Benyella Njeko is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and educator from Buea. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea and later completed an M.A. in New Media and Society at the University of Leicester (UK) on a prestigious Chevening scholarship. These qualifications underpin his expertise in digital media and communication. Since 2014 he has led the Buea Institute of Technology (BIT) as co‑founder and director, shaping its curriculum and vision.

Founding Buea Institute of Technology

In 2014, Mr. Njeko co-founded BIT as a specialized vocational training institute in Buea focused on information technology and media. Under his leadership, BIT has grown into “one of the most speciality focused training centres in Cameroon”, offering intensive programs in areas like software engineering, graphic and web design, digital journalism, and marketing. Njeko is known for emphasizing industry‑relevant, project-based learning: as he notes, BIT “works closely with industry partners to identify the most relevant and in‑demand skills” and designs courses to equip students with those capabilities. This approach reflects his vision of BIT as a bridge between academic training and the evolving needs of Cameroon’s digital economy.

Professional Experience and Entrepreneurship

A seasoned technologist, Mr. Njeko has over a decade of experience in the creative tech sector. He founded and directs Clone Multimedia Ltd, a web and graphic design company, Technology Initiatives for Development, a tech based civil society organisation and served as lead graphic designer for AfroVision Group. He has volunteered with AFRICAphonie (a Cameroonian civil‑society organization for democracy and development) and worked as a consultant on media projects. Njeko also served as designer and editor‑in‑chief of Business Diary, a local magazine promoting business initiatives. In academia, he served as a part‑time lecturer in online journalism at the University of Buea, where he trained students in digital reporting. He has additionally consulted for international development agencies, including UNDP, SNV and the Christian Blind Mission, on projects at the intersection of media, technology and social development.

Teaching, Workshops and Public Engagement

Mr. Njeko frequently contributes to workshops and speaks publicly on digital rights, media and education. For example, he has led training sessions on Internet safety and journalist protection; in a 2022 UN‑supported workshop on online security, he emphasized that “online presence gives a wider audience… but also exposes one to risks which could lead to depression, online shutdown, arrest or even death”. He also mentors students directly: at a University of Buea Journalism open day in 2023 he urged young journalists to embrace digital platforms, noting that reporters today can “reach people globally” in a context where “about 99% of youth… have smartphones”. These activities highlight his commitment to empowering Cameroonian youth through technology and informed media practices.

Vision for Digital Empowerment

Throughout his career, Benyella Njeko has articulated a clear vision of digital empowerment through education. He envisions BIT as a catalyst for equipping Cameroon’s youth with cutting‑edge IT and media skills. BIT’s official mission – to deliver practical, media‑ and tech‑centric training – mirrors his belief that such education can drive innovation and economic growth. In his public statements and curriculum design, Njeko stresses the importance of adapting to new technologies and promoting digital inclusion. Under his guidance, BIT continues to expand opportunities for young Cameroonians, nurturing the next generation of designers, developers, communicators and entrepreneurs.