The year 2012 marked the beginning of a transformational landmark experience. Finally starting a Masters program in France, experiencing a melting pot of cultures and the awakening of endless possibilities. Along with the many lessons that life had to offer.
The first seed of awakening.
After a series of multiple three-way Google Meet calls, email exchanges, dealing with odd time zones across Manchester, India and Grenoble – 1Plify was conceived and co-founded by three inspired young Nigerians. A journey I remain grateful for regardless of the outcome and eventualities.
The time felt right to tackle an interesting challenge likely still unsolved till date within Nigeria and Africa at large.
A unified admission application portal and tertiary institution journey partner for Nigerian students applying to multiple local institutions post JAMB and SSCE exams.
Taking inspiration from the likes of UCAS but with a Nigerian market and technology reality lens. 1Plify’s conceptual entry level product strategy was a unified admission application portal and offer of ease for Nigerian students applying to multiple Nigerian tertiary institutions. A strategy anchored on an infinite purpose to become the tertiary education partner and success guide for students across Africa. In essence, a guiding light throughout their student journey and potentially into early graduate career phase.
Side note: Interesting to see the evolution of UCAS from an admission application portal to other verticals and value added services. A similar direction that 1Plify’s product strategy and roadmap had mapped out to develop as we built critical mass, product maturity and funding.
We delivered a minimum viable product sometime in 2013.
Many sleepless nights interfacing with founders across two continents, combined with the demands of a Masters program, working remotely with tech development teams in India.
1st huddle and reality check, hesitations from local institutions to sign up or integrate with our platform (opting to rather stick to legacy individual platforms) even though students and potential users did recognise the value on offer.
In response, we had to pivot to a then growing need for students looking to pursue tertiary education abroad. Further iterating the product strategy, initiating partnerships with institutions across the globe while developing brand awareness locally with potential students. While there was still value on offer, the addressable market was very limited (affordability to study abroad) and the model became more difficult to scale with the rising forex exchange rates.
That being said, grateful for the international institutions that gave us a try especially those looking to expand their presence and awareness across the continent. Santiago {Grenoble Ecole De Management} agreeing to come on board in his then role meant a lot and was pleasing to have my Alma Mata take a chance.
10 years later since 1Plify, grateful for the hard wired lessons, the beauty of exploration and the small wins {acceptance into the NUMA Bangalore acceleration program in 2015, secured international University partnerships and successful student applications processed through the platform, exhibitions across Nigeria and a fast developing social brand awareness}.
Although a sunset venture, the exposure from 1Plify was immense.
The process and learnings have turned out to be more valuable than the desired outcomes.
I am not sad that the journey didn’t bear desired fruition. I stand proud knowing that we tried against all odds in our personal lives, rejections and many other curve balls.
Interesting that the core need still appears unsolved to the best of my knowledge (stand corrected). JAMB launched CAPS in 2017, not interacted fully with the platform but appears this is still a layer above the admissions application level and more of an admissions process visibility portal.
Hoping someone takes the mantle to develop a success partner offering beyond a single admission application portal, potentially extending to academic support, including resources on the go to accompany students in their educational and career pursuits at the tertiary level. Leveraging the technological advancement and the rapidly welcoming evolution of tech backed solutions to everyday problems in the Nigerian and African market space.
Personally, the journey has given me confidence and accelerated perspective through my almost decade long corporate career. It has also kept me inspired around the possibilities that abound when there is a dedicated purpose and commitment to translate an idea into reality. It has also given me the impetus to try again.
The end of a 10 year wait, finally decompressing and reflecting on the journey.
Drawing the curtains and hopefully opening up the creative pathway for the journey ahead.
I have always seen myself as a builder and originator at heart and by God-led purpose. Without any doubt, I would be trying again sooner than later. Building forward with the enterpreneurial traits and contagious passsion that I have continuously and meticulously applied over the past decade.
In our rapidly changing world with still many unsolved challenges, known and yet unknown, I will be building again with Africa at heart for sentimental and God-led purpose. Hopefully creating value, inspiring hope, solving an unmet need and generating impact that will touch the lives of many positively.
Watch this space 🤞🏿
Till then,
Pace and cadence, and the escalation of everything beautiful – with courage, strength, wisdom and the wildest optimism.
BJA
BJA | TDM 