Oscar Obiora Udebuana, CEO and Co-Founder of EduPoint

May 29, 2024

Please tell us your name, where your business is located and what is it that you do?

My name is Oscar Obiora Udebuana, a visionary entrepreneur, who drives transformative change as the CEO and Co-Founder of EduPoint, where we are revolutionizing education in Africa, till date we have connected 35,000+ learners with over 1000+ tutors globally, I ensure quality education is accessible. My approach blends academia, technology, and practical insights, fostering innovation in learning. Honored with numerous awards such as the ITU Digital Changemaker Award, LEAP Social Innovator of the Year, and African Laurate in Education all in 2019, I am recognized for social innovation. Committed to excellence, my journey embodies a passion for accessible education, empowering individuals across Africa. EduPoint is an educational platform that provides personalized, offline, and online classes to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. We connect students with verified local tutors who offer one-on-one lessons in various subjects and skills, including future-ready fields like AI, robotics, and coding.

Tell us about how you got started.

EduPoint started in 2019 out of a passion for education and a desire to bridge the gap between students and quality learning resources. I observed that many students were struggling to find qualified tutors and personalized learning experiences that catered to their unique needs. This inspired me to create a platform that not only connects students with expert tutors but also incorporates modern educational technologies to enhance learning outcomes. With a small team and a big vision, we started EduPoint to make quality education accessible to all.

What makes your company unique?

EduPoint stands out because of our commitment to personalized learning and our focus on future skills. Unlike traditional education providers, we offer a blend of offline and online classes that cater to individual learning styles and schedules. Our curriculum includes cutting-edge subjects like AI, robotics, and coding, which are essential for the future workforce. Additionally, our platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, ensuring that every student can benefit from our services regardless of their location or internet connectivity. 

No business is without setbacks, can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it?

One significant setback we faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic when we had to transition entirely to online learning. Many of our students and tutors were not equipped for this sudden change, leading to a temporary disruption in our services. To overcome this, we quickly developed online training programs for our tutors and provided resources to help students adapt to virtual learning. We also enhanced our digital platform to support interactive online classes. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and resilience, and ultimately, it strengthened our business model.

How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?

I define success as the positive impact we have on our students' lives and their educational outcomes. Seeing our students gain confidence, improve their grades, and develop new skills is the true measure of our success. I attribute our success to our dedicated team, our commitment to innovation, and our focus on the needs of our students. We continually seek feedback and strive to improve our services, ensuring that we provide the best possible learning experience.

What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?

In the next five years, we aim to expand EduPoint's reach across Africa, providing quality education to even more students. We plan to introduce new courses and learning programs in emerging fields, enhance our technological infrastructure, and form strategic partnerships with educational institutions and organizations. Our vision is to become the leading educational platform in Africa, empowering millions of students with the skills they need for the future.

What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

The future is bright for Africa-focused entrepreneurs, as the continent is ripe with opportunities for innovation and growth. As more young people gain access to education and technology, the potential for new businesses to emerge and thrive is immense. My advice for entrepreneurs starting out is to focus on solving real problems, be persistent, and stay adaptable. Build strong networks, seek mentorship, and never stop learning. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are worth it.

Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?

Balancing a business and personal life can indeed be challenging. I make it a priority to set boundaries and allocate time for rest and relaxation. Regular exercise, meditation, and spending quality time with family and friends help me recharge. I also ensure to delegate tasks effectively and rely on my team, which allows me to focus on strategic decisions without burning out.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?  What keeps you going?

My favorite quote is by Nelson Mandela: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This mantra keeps me motivated and reminds me of the profound impact that education can have on individuals and society. Knowing that our work at EduPoint contributes to this greater cause fuels my passion and determination.  

What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without

One business tool I can't live without is emails. It helps us manage projects, track progress, and collaborate effectively as a team, more importantly for communicating. Emails' has a user-friendly interface and flexibility making it an indispensable tool for communicating, organizing tasks and ensuring that we stay on top of our goals.