Toyese Oyebola’s Mentorship: The Silent Architect Behind Today’s Innovators, Leaders

By Samuel Ejifoma In today’s world, where groundbreaking innovations and enduring institutions shape our lives, mentorship stands as a silent architect. Sir Isaac Newton encapsulated this when he remarked, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This sentiment underscores the importance of mentorship in nurturing talent and fostering […]

By Samuel Ejifoma

In today’s world, where groundbreaking innovations and enduring institutions shape our lives, mentorship stands as a silent architect. Sir Isaac Newton encapsulated this when he remarked, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This sentiment underscores the importance of mentorship in nurturing talent and fostering success across various fields.

One individual who embodies the transformative power of mentorship is Toyese Oyebola, founder of Platform Universal. As a young innovator, she has dedicated herself to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. Her journey began during her undergraduate study in Nigeria and she established Platform Universal shortly after her NYSC programme. This company quickly gained recognition for delivering innovative solutions across industries.

Expanding Horizons with Platform Universal
Platform Universal is more than just a business; it’s a transformative force in entrepreneurship and leadership development. The company has expanded to include the Platform Academy and Platform Hub, focusing on equipping young entrepreneurs with advanced tech skills and fostering leadership across various sectors. Oyebola went ahead to spearhead numerous impactful projects, such as coding for beginners and Google Analytics training and Social Media Marketing Boot camp while managing diverse project teams. Through comprehensive user research and collaborations with organizations like Cerebral Palsy Foundation (SNCPFoundation) among others, Platform Universal enhanced tech accessibility and innovation for individuals and businesses. One of its core fortes is quality assurance, strategic partnerships, and global expansion to foster international collaboration.

Indeed, Oyebola’s platform boasts of developing and implementing growth strategies to reduce ineffectiveness and risks. This tech leader maintained quality assurance in all deliverables to B2B and B2C, formed valuable partnerships between investors and young talents, and built the company’s digital mentorship hub.

Platform Universal has successfully navigated its financial landscape, securing funding through personal investments and crowdfunding while representing the company at key industry events.

Recognition for igniting impacts
Under Oyebola’s leadership, over 10,000 entrepreneurs and professionals have benefited from tech training programs, thanks to strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations like
Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Youth Aspire Connect, Sara Foundation, and Bacharlorai. She has been on international projects like Google My Business Africa and the Society for Black Academics.

Oyebola’s mentorship initiatives have not only enhanced visibility for numerous businesses but also fostered innovation that aligns with market needs.

Oyebola led a team in the UK Parliament, collaborating with members who could become Labour Party candidates for Prime Minister. She was honored as International Ambassador of Hull and invited to mentor students at the University of Hull on digitalization, organizing events to help them start careers in tech. Additionally, she contributes to mentorship programs like the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s IYBA-WE4A program, demonstrating her commitment to empowering the next generation.

Driving Global Partnerships and Innovation
As the former International Communication and Partnership Officer for the Kexgill Group in the UK, Oyebola significantly increased international partners and stakeholders by 60% and community engagement by 50% through strategic marketing initiatives.

She co-led the development of Kexgill’s sustainability app and is skilled in data analytics across platforms like Google Ads and Meta Ads. Her previous role as Executive Assistant and Business Analyst at Kinetic Associate in Lagos honed her skills in using performance tracking tools.

Additionally, as a marketing manager for the Society for Black Academics, she oversees branding, marketing, and business growth. Oyebola holds a Master’s in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Hull and has been recognized for her contributions at international forums, including the United Nations CSW68 Conference.

As a pioneering entrepreneur, she is positioning herself as a formidable force in Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurial sectors. She is assembling a team of innovators, entrepreneurs, and global partners to launch “Dream Africa,” the continent’s largest next-generation network.

Oyebola’s inspiring journey, fueled by her passion for empowering young innovators, is poised to be a cover story for global business magazines like Forbes. Her work exemplifies a commitment to mentoring the next generation and driving transformative change across Africa and beyond. Watch out for her impactful contributions in the upcoming Forbes edition.