03/06/2025
My Journey to Founding Eminent Topnotch Schools
With zero capital, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that eventually lead to the establishment of Eminent Topnotch Schools. It all began in 2008 when my aunt gifted me a local hen during my holiday visit. She also taught me a traditional song to manage the hen's movement within our compound. This humble beginning marked the start of my poultry business.
The Early Days
- The hen laid eggs and hatched six chicks, which grew into a flock.
- We faced challenges, including a hawk attacking one of the chicks, but I found innovative solutions, like using my mother's utensil basket to cage them and introducing heat to calm the mother hen.
- As the flock multiplied, I built a thatch house with my dad's guidance and later sold the birds for ₦65,000.
Expansion and Diversification
- I invested in another batch of 50 birds and expanded my business, generating significant income.
- With 400 birds, I started building two 20x16 lock-up stores, which my parents helped complete.
- These stores became the venue for my vacation lessons, attracting many students.
Founding Eminent Topnotch Schools
- In 2015, I conceived the idea of starting a school, leveraging the success of my vacation lessons.
- My dad, a retired principal, posed critical questions about funding teachers' salaries, my teaching qualifications, and the school's structure.
- I addressed these concerns by:
- *Funding*: Using school fees to pay teachers' salaries
- *Qualifications*: Utilizing my dad's license and planning to further my education
- *Infrastructure*: Repurposing the lock-up stores as classrooms and eventually building new structures on land donated by my dad
Achievements and Legacy
- Today, Eminent Topnotch Schools Ikot Okubo Ibesikpo marks its 10th anniversary.
- I've continued to pursue higher education, earning PGDE, PGDth, and working towards an M.Ed.
- Starting a business with zero capital requires creativity, hard work,& more!