By Constance GBEDZO
In my usual desire to promote entrepreneurship development across Africa, I accepted an invitation to Ghana’s beloved senior sister and neighbor, Nigeria, in order to fraternize with the family of Mr. and Mrs. James Dedume, Ghanaian residents in Nigeria. Right from the time we were picked at the famous Murtala Muhammed International Airport, I began to forget about the demise of my father.
I was overwhelmed with an incredible loving kindness by my benefactors; James, Cecilia and Vivian. On reaching my destinations, I met all-loving Dina, and then, Mommy Rosemary, the Executive Director of Ostra Schools. It was all love-revolution. I was conducted round the complexes of Ostra Schools.
Suddenly, my countenance had changed. The following day, I had blissful fellowship with the Grace Evangelical Church. This day also marked the 50th birthday of Mrs. Dina Dedume. My take-away from the Man of God is that while grace is abundant, we need to exercise our faith.
As promoter of entrepreneurship, a business management tutor and financial consultant, I came to the conclusion that in a world teeming with challenges and opportunities, the spirit of entrepreneurship offers a powerful path to create impact and build a better future for our people. For young people seeking inspiration, the journey of institutions like the Ostra Schools serves as a compelling narrative, and a testament to vision, resilience, and the power of dedicated effort.
A dream for quality education was conceived by Mrs. Rosemary Ohio-Ehimiaghe. She envisioned a school that would not just impart knowledge but also mold “a total child”, one equipped with innate abilities efficiently stimulated, and a consolidation of talent, skills, enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, and courage. What a visionaire, I exclaimed. Today, Rev. Mrs. Rosemary Ohio-Ehimiaghe is a seasoned educationist and the Executive Director of the Ostra Schools.
In the year 1991, after one Sunday church service, the Founder and Mr. James Dedume paid visit to a friend at Ago-Okota. On their way back, she discussed her long vision of opening a private school within a five-year programme. She indicated that this was not meant to make money, but a part of her plans to contribute a quota to the development of Nigeria for a better society.
As she drove along, she then pulled off, and they went down a foot-path into a swampy parcel of land. Going further, about 150-metres, they now came across an empty land in a location called Akanni Busari, now Femi Kila Street, Ago-Okota.
This land was within a very thick forest where they could see monkeys and alligators with no residential properties in view. Two years later, a giant L-shaped two-storey school blocks were raised. The very designs portrayed a provision made for an alternative plan to convert the school into a commercial residential property should the school idea fail.
The school began its remarkable journey in September 1995 with five (5) pupils on day one, twenty five (25) on day two, and forty five (45) by the end of the first term. Its humble beginnings encompass playgroup, nursery, and primary sections. In a society grappling with educational standards, Mrs. Ohio-Ehimiaghe saw a gap and bravely stepped forward to fill it. Today, Ostra Schools has become a prominent educational institution in Nigeria with a total student’s population of about one thousand (1,000).
This initial vision, born from a deep passion for education, was the very first entrepreneurial lesson for the youth; thus, identify a need and commit to addressing it with unwavering dedication.
Nonetheless, entrepreneurial success involves navigating the valleys. The path to success is rarely linear, and Ostra Schools’ history is no exception. As recounted by the Executive Director, there were times when the school faced significant hurdles. A major challenge was the sudden drop in student population due to poor road infrastructure, making it difficult for parents to bring their children to school. Additionally, internal challenges arose when some teachers unexpectedly left the school. These “valleys” present crucial entrepreneurial lessons. There is the need for resilience in the face of adversity.
Ostra then took the necessary steps of adaptability and problem-solving, belief in its product/service, perseverance and long-term vision, and building a legacy of excellence.
Instead of succumbing to those setbacks, Ostra persisted. The school continued to strive. This ability to pivot resulted in finding alternative routes, and managing unforeseen difficulties which are paramount for entrepreneurial success.
The importance of having a truly valuable offering that resonates with one’s target clients is essential for entrepreneurial success. Despite the challenges, parents who believed in the quality of education Ostra provided and Mrs. Ohio-Ehimiaghe’s passion for education inspired her to strongly forge on.
The Executive Director admitted that she never thought the school would last even 10 years, let alone 30. Yet, through perseverance, Ostra not only survived but thrived, eventually acquiring seven plots of land and expanding into a secondary school in 2006 alone. This underscores that true entrepreneurial success is often a marathon, not a sprint.
Today, Ostra Schools is a household name, celebrated for its “culture of excellence, passion, and purpose.” It has grown to include Montessori, Elementary, and College sections, boasting a warm, caring, and nurturing environment. The school emphasizes 21st-century learning strategies, equipping students with core competencies like future-ready leadership, critical and analytical thinking, and self-mastery. They even incorporate the Cambridge Curriculum alongside the Nigerian equivalent, providing a global perspective.
Ostra’s success offers invaluable entrepreneurial insights for the youth of Africa. In their pursuit of economic venture, the youth must imbibe the principles of focus on quality and value, holistic development, strategic growth and innovation, and building a strong team.
Ostra’s continued success is attributed to its unwavering commitment to quality education. For young entrepreneurs, this means ensuring your product or service consistently delivers high value to your customers. Indeed, the school’s emphasis on developing “a total child”; academically, morally, and socially, reflects a holistic approach. This translates to building a business that not only offers a product but also contributes positively to society and develops well-rounded individuals within its ecosystem.
From starting with a few sections to expanding into a full-fledged college and integrating global curricula, Ostra demonstrates strategic growth and a willingness to innovate to meet evolving educational realities. Entrepreneurs must constantly seek ways to expand, improve, and stay relevant.
The continuity of staff, like Mr. James Dedume (Director Operations) who has served the school since its inception, speaks volumes about the leadership and the positive environment being fostered by the Executive Director. During the school’s 10th anniversary, Mr. Dedume was drafted into directorship.
Notwithstanding, Matron Dina Dedume’s exceptional leadership, marked by a shared vision and unwavering commitment to student success, has transformed the school. Her strategic planning, effective interventions, and impactful staff development initiatives have significantly improved academic outcomes and boosted staff retention, making the school a top choice for parents.
This success powerfully demonstrates to Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs that a dedicated and cohesive team, much like Ostra’s inspiring legacy, is crucial for building a thriving enterprise. As noted by James, Ostra’s products (the alumni) are its best advertisement. They are making their mark in various institutions and establishments. The school’s ambition to “produce the country’s President in the future” speaks to its enduring vision and belief in its transformative power.
For young people dreaming of starting their own ventures, Ostra Schools’ story offers a compelling roadmap; start with passion and purpose: let your entrepreneurial journey be driven by a genuine desire to solve problems and create something meaningful, embrace challenges as learning opportunities: view setbacks not as failures, but as opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger, prioritize quality and value: always strive to deliver the best, ensuring your offerings are truly impactful and meet the needs of your audience, cultivate resilience: entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay persistent, learn from your experiences, and keep pushing forward, and think long-term and impactfully: aim to build something that not only thrives financially but also makes a lasting positive difference in the world.
The history of Ostra Schools is more than just an academic success story. It is, indeed, a living testament to the entrepreneurial spirit; a spirit that, when nurtured, can transform visions into tangible realities and inspire generations to come.
The writer is a Risk & Enterprise Development Expert
