Toyese Oyebola is an entrepreneur you should know. She is the founder and CEO of Platform Universal, an entrepreneurship development company that has been equipping young entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring leaders from various industries with essential skills for about seven years. While she plans to launch this venture in the United States, Oyebola is poised to make a significant impact through it, as she walks journalists through her journey from a fresh graduate to a successful entrepreneur.

In the vibrant halls of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, Nigeria, a young woman named Oyebola stood among her peers, cap in hand and ready to toss it skyward.

Little did she know that this ceremonial act would symbolize not just the end of her BSc journey but the launch of an extraordinary entrepreneurial adventure.

“I always knew what I wanted to do. During my undergraduate days, I enjoyed helping people grow their ideas and starting a business. I started by managing social media pages for people in school but turned it into a business during National Youth Service (NYSC). I served at Covenant University and grew my skills, did loads of research, and joined the university’s Hebron startup lab.

That was an eye-opener. I started paying attention to my skills, started charging clients, and turned my idea into Platform Universal.

Over the years, Platform Universal grew and became more defined, and we focused on our niche, while we built 2 sub-companies: Platform Academy, and Platform Hub in 2022.

Now, we are fully operating in our entrepreneurship development, tech, and leadership development services,” Oyebola reflects, her eyes gleaming with the same determination that fuelled her through four years of studying Mass Communication. For Oyebola, this wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about laying the foundation for a vision that would impact generations to come.

While many graduates take time to find their footing, Oyebola hit the ground running. With the ink barely dry on her degree, she took a leap that would make even seasoned professionals pause – she founded Platform Universal, a business development and project management company in Nigeria. “It was not a walk in the park; I was determined to go through with it,” Oyebola says, her voice carrying the weight of challenges overcome and risks taken. Her company quickly became known for delivering innovative solutions across various industries, a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering vision.

Today, seven years after that pivotal cap toss, Oyebola stands at the helm of a thriving enterprise. “Platform Universal isn’t just a business; it’s a force for positive change in Nigeria’s economic landscape,” says Oyebola confidently.

Platform Universal has two sister companies, including Platform Academy, our tech community— and Platform Hub, a youth leadership subsidiary. By creating jobs and empowering others, Oyebola has transformed her success into a platform for collective growth.

Leveraging Statistics to Reach the Wider World
A 2023 study by Square estimates that young people are showing a strong inclination towards entrepreneurship worldwide: youth ages 18 to 34 are 1.6 times more likely to want to start a business compared to adults.

While more than 54 percent of Gen Z respondents expressed a desire to start their own business someday, there’s a growing trend of youth entrepreneurship in the US: the 18 to 24 age group showed high entrepreneurial intentions (20 percent) and high entrepreneurship rates (19 percent).
These statistics underscore the importance of initiatives like Platform Universal in providing the necessary support and resources to help young entrepreneurs seamlessly navigate the challenges of starting and maintaining a successful business.

Platform Universal Making Significant Impact

Founded in 2017 by an experienced team who are passionate about helping young entrepreneurs succeed, Platform Universal’s mission is tailored to helping young talents maximise digitalisation.

“We have helped a cinsiderable number of young entrepreneurs grow their businesses and managed impact projects for organizations,” Oyebola chipped in, adding that its vision now extends beyond business success to creating a lasting impact. “We believe in the transformative power of global opportunities and the innovative solutions our clients bring to the table.

“We help organizations achieve their business objectives by managing impactful projects that address real-world challenges. With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship development, we are building a global portfolio of ventures that transcend geographical and industry boundaries, enabling businesses to scale their projects internationally and maximize their potential.”

With its upcoming launch in the US, Platform Universal aims to continue to extend its reach and impact to the wider world, bring its proven methodologies to the American market, and foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

As the driving force behind Platform Universal, Oyebola is ready to roll up her sleeves, share valuable nuggets of wisdom and experience, and is committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. “Platform Universal’s expansion into the US market represents an exciting new chapter in our mission to develop skilled entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who can drive positive change on a global scale,” expressed the young CEO.

A Blueprint for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Oyebola’s journey from fresh-faced graduate to successful CEO serves as an inspiring blueprint for young Nigerians with entrepreneurial dreams. Her story challenges the notion that experience and age are prerequisites for business success. Instead, it highlights the power of clear vision, unwavering determination, and the courage to take that first, crucial step.

As she continues to contribute to the global business landscape, her story resonates with a powerful message: with focus, resilience, and determination, today’s graduates can become tomorrow’s business leaders, leaving an indelible mark on their communities and beyond. In Oyebola’s own words, “I was determined to go through with it.” And go through with it she did, turning a dream into a thriving reality and inspiring a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs along the way.