Jamie Hastings founded MYiO in 2018 with nothing but ambition and a laptop. Today, his education consultancy ranks among Nigeria's most respected study abroad agencies.
The director built the venture from scratch, starting with strategic partnerships across UK universities. His mission was simple: connect Nigerian students with global educational opportunities.
"I wanted to create a service offering impartial, professional guidance on studying abroad," Hastings told reporters. "Watching students succeed academically and personally—that's what drives me."
MYiO handles the entire process for students at no cost. From initial school selection through final visa approval, his team manages every step.
Hastings recalls those early days with clarity. He had no startup capital, just determination and a phone to complement his laptop.
"We grew everything organically," he explained. "We started getting agreements with UK universities and expanded from there."
That organic approach paid dividends. MYiO now employs over 20 staff across six offices in five countries.
Hundreds of students use the service annually, with numbers climbing each year. The growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.
Expansion plans are already underway across West Africa. MYiO opened its Port Harcourt office in May 2026 with three dedicated staff members.
A Casablanca office in Morocco is next on the agenda for mid-2026. Hastings sees tremendous opportunity beyond Nigeria's borders.
What separates MYiO from competitors? Hastings points to one core principle: genuine client focus.
"We listen to our clients carefully," he noted. "Quality matters far more than quantity in our business."
Each student receives tailored solutions matching their unique needs and circumstances. One-size-fits-all approaches don't work in education consultancy.
Navigating Nigeria's inflationary economy required careful financial management. Hastings monitors costs closely and evaluates every investment's return.
Yet he remains optimistic about the sector's long-term prospects. International education demand in Nigeria continues climbing year after year.
"Education providers are multiplying across Nigeria," according to Hastings. "There's genuine hunger for study abroad experiences among young Nigerians."
He foresees a future where studying internationally becomes more accessible and flexible. Students will have more options than ever before.
Despite his business success, Hastings faces a familiar entrepreneurial challenge: balancing work and personal life.
"Working hard is essential for growth," he emphasized. "But don't sacrifice your home life in the process."
Personal development and professional achievement must coexist, he believes. Neither should overshadow the other in a healthy life.
