Introducing Tolulope Ariyibi-Oke: MSBM's New CEO and Architect of a Bold Vision

At the helm of the Metropolitan School of Business and Management (MSBM), Tolulope Ariyibi-Oke brings a unique blend of resilience, strategic insight, and a deep-rooted commitment to making education accessible to all.

Appointed as MSBM’s CEO, Tolulope's arrival signals a new era for the institution, setting it on an ambitious course to redefine global learning pathways.

Under her leadership, MSBM aims to be more than an educational institution; it seeks to be a transformative force in the EdTech landscape, fostering affordable, high-quality business education that’s adaptable to students from diverse backgrounds and at every stage of their professional journeys.

 From Humble Beginnings to Leadership in Education

Tolulope's story is one of resilience and adaptation. Growing up in a modest Yoruba household, in Ajegunle, Agbowo, Ibadan, as the youngest of five siblings, she learnt early on that “No” was a common response to her wants.

In her household, this word wasn’t a sign of deprivation but rather a lesson in perseverance and adaptability. It was only upon attending boarding school far from her home in Ibadan that Tolulope recognised the broader spectrum of privilege and wealth that existed outside her own experiences.

Instead of becoming disheartened by limitations, she internalised these experiences, learning to turn obstacles into opportunities and viewing “No” not as a stop but as a prompt for new strategies.

Throughout her career, Tolulope has come to understand that the barriers faced by students—especially those from underrepresented communities—are often systemic.

 This realisation has driven her passion for education that is not only accessible but transformational, aligning perfectly with MSBM's mission to create affordable, international-quality diplomas and degrees that open doors for all.

 A Visionary Leader with Strategic Insight

Tolulope’s credentials and experience reflect her dedication to bridging gaps in education. With a Law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, an OTHM UK Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from MSBM UK, and an MBA from the University of Sussex, UK, Tolulope has a rare mix of legal, business, and strategic expertise.

She has served in roles where her innovative thinking has helped MSBM forge paths that align quality education with accessibility, bringing unparalleled value to students worldwide.

As a black woman navigating the international EdTech space, Tolulope acknowledges that educational success often hinges on resilience and strategic relationship-building. “In my world, as a black female Nigerian in the EdTech space trying to thrive internationally, it’s rarely about ‘what’ you know, but rather ‘who’ you know.” She noted.

She understands that many students face similar barriers and seeks to provide them with alternative pathways to success that does not rely solely on privilege or access to established networks.

Pioneering Initiatives at MSBM: Education Without Barriers

Under Tolulope’s leadership, MSBM has introduced a suite of groundbreaking initiatives. The institution’s new subscription packages cater for a broad spectrum of learners, from young students aged 16-25 to entrepreneurs and professionals, even offering group learning options for families, friends, and professional networks as well as Business Solutions to companies to empower their employees through education.

This innovation signals MSBM’s shift away from traditional education models, providing pathways tailored to different life stages and career goals, with flexibility and affordability that set MSBM apart.

In a bid to extend its impact further, MSBM is also forging partnerships with governments and charitable organisations as well as High schools and Colleges.

These collaborations reflect Tolulope’s belief that education should be a shared responsibility across sectors, breaking down the geographical and socioeconomic barriers that often restrict access to quality learning.

Empowering Others to Lead Through MSBM’s Institutional Partnership Program

Tolulope’s leadership is marked by a commitment to collaboration and community building. MSBM’s “Become an Institution” program empowers schools, colleges, and universities worldwide to leverage MSBM’s infrastructure and reputation to create co-branded educational programs and digitalise their offerings seamlessly.

With MSBM’s cutting-edge technology developed in-house, MSBM enhances the educational experiences of both MSBM students and students of their partner institutes and organisations. This unique initiative reflects MSBM’s belief in a future where institutions can collaborate to enhance global learning outcomes.

Crafting a New Approach to Learning

Tolulope’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and resilience. Her journey serves as an inspiration to the students and partners of MSBM, reinforcing the school’s core mission to democratise education and drive social impact.

Through her work, Tolulope continues to embody the principles she values most; hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to seeing “No” not as a barrier, but as a gateway to new possibilities.

As MSBM moves forward under Tolulope’s direction, her vision is clear—education is not only about knowledge but about crafting pathways that empower individuals to navigate and thrive, even in the face of adversity.

The institution is set to achieve new heights, solidifying its position as a true pioneer in global business education.
Edited by: Evans Momodu