Three years ago, I was actively searching for a unique MBA course that offered high-quality education. I wanted it to be online and I wanted to really learn, gain relevant knowledge without having to expend a lot of time and money. I wanted different; I wanted flexibility, and I wanted affordable.

I took a chance on Nexford University. Back in 2019, I was amongst the first learners that enrolled for an MBA course. The university was new with no graduates yet and learning at this university would mean I would be the first of many that would embark on an educational adventure. Its mission was to provide learners with access to a dynamic and affordable, high-quality education tailored for the global workplace and to enable greater social and economic mobility across the world.

I decided there and then not to just read the university’s catalog but also to do some research on the founder, Fadl Al Tarzi. I found that he had grown up in Africa as well as worked on different continents in the world. Any negative thoughts went out the window because I felt that he had a personal history with the product and was an innovative individual that was open to disrupting the status quo.

Further researching the Country Director for Nigeria, Olamidun Majekodunmi, I determined that the university was progressive and “upwardly mobile”, relating to the need for quality education in Nigeria and about the necessity to positively affect the country and its people through education. Then I found out that economic policy expert, two-time minister in Nigeria, former vice president of the World Bank (Africa Region), and Co-Founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili was on the Global advisory board of this 100% online university.

Here was a university that had just closed a seed round of $4 million which was used to build the university’s underlying technology as well as design and build a curriculum from scratch. When I came across this information on the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) website, in addition to the caliber of individuals willing to back a relatively new university, I resolved to go for it.

I went through the Nexford Catalog and agreed that the programs were structured (informed by research) to provide learners with skills and competencies based on global employer needs. So, I enrolled and began a journey that did not just equip me with skills or with more information, it gave me a sense of purpose and helped me discover things about myself such as resilience and grit.

My learning experience at Nexford was unlike anything I had gone through before. I had the support of a team of advisors who cheered me on even when I did not reach out, I had the opportunity to network and meet learners from different countries. I engaged with Professors who were courteous and supportive albeit firm and I delved into projects I had never dreamed I would be doing. I have a better appreciation for financial decision-making and an understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems as well as digital transformation operations and digital strategy just from learning at Nexford.

The learning environment was being constantly improved to provide a unique and easy learning experience and there were myriads of resources at my fingertips that I could access to help me with my studies.

The university was also committed to sustainable development goals beyond the obvious SDG 4 on quality education which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It also committed to SDG 13 on Climate Action. The university did not just empower learners with the knowledge and the skills to go further, it had a responsibility to protect the planet. It was not just solving an education problem; it was also solving an ecosystem challenge.

It was, therefore, no surprise when Nexford University successfully closed a $10 million Series A funding round back in 2021 to aid its expansion plans. And Nexford is expanding with learners from over 85 countries and counting.

Nexford University turned three in February and looking back on its continuing journey, I can say that we have both grown. Just as I have become better and more self-aware of what I can offer to individuals and organizations, Nexford University has also grown and is constantly improving its programs, processes, and systems.

After taking a foundation course, ten core courses, and five specialization courses, my venture with Nexford University paid off.