Sometimes, your life changes in the most random moment. Take David, for example, who had no japa plans. He works at a workspace in Abuja. One random afternoon, he was just doing his job, checking in on a pop-up event organized by Ile-Iwe Education, in partnership with Passage earlier in the year at his workplace. He wasn’t part of the event, wasn’t even curious… until he bumped into one of Ile-Iwe Education’s team members.
What happened next? We caught up with him just before his visa application submission to hear from the horse’s mouth.
Q: So, how did all of this Japa talk begin?
David:
Honestly, I didn’t come to the event to get any information. I was just working. The company I work with was hosting this event, so I was just doing my rounds, making sure the guests were comfortable and things were going smoothly.
That’s when I met Chinelo from the Ile-Iwe team. She was so friendly, so I just casually asked her what the event was about. I had been hearing people saying “Japa this, Japa that,” and I joked like, “What’s this Japa and loan talk sef?”
Q: And what did she say that caught your attention?
David:
She told me there’s a new loan package that can aid my japa plans and cover up to 75% of the entire study abroad process. From tuition to living expenses, everything.
That was wild to me because I’ve always thought studying abroad was for people with like hundreds of millions saved up. I had some money saved, but I didn’t think it would ever be enough.
That one conversation sparked something. It just felt possible.
Q: What happened after that chat?
David:
She took down my details and told me she would reach out if I was really interested. And she did.
From there, everything just started falling into place. They helped me choose the right school, guided me through my application, explained how the loan works… It was a very smooth process.
Q: Was it stressful at any point?
David:
I won’t lie, I had questions almost every single day, and sometimes in the weirdest hours.
But my advisor was always there to explain things. The Ile-Iwe team really breaks things down. No confusing terms, no pressure. They really hold your hand through it.
Even when I had doubts about getting approved for the loan, they kept me calm and confident. And guess what? The loan was approved, most of my tuition is already paid, and I’m just waiting on my visa now.
Q: Any advice for someone like you who wasn’t planning to study abroad?
David:
I’d say don’t overthink it. You may think it’s not for you or that it’s too expensive, but there are real options now.
If I didn’t walk past that table and ask that random question, I’d still think Japa was out of my league. So ask questions, get info, and don’t be afraid to start.
David’s story is proof that sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your dream is the right conversation with the right people.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. That’s what Ile-Iwe Education is here for.
And you’re in luck because we’ll be having one of such events that David happened to stumble on, on the 5th of July, 2025, at 11am.
Got questions like David did? Register here and we will be in touch to kill your curiosity.
