June 25, 2016
When Ivy Esohe Osagie-Erese climbed the stage to receive her degree, the applause was not just from her friends, her classmates, or her club members from the Art Factory she headed while in Ashesi. The proudest applause came from her family who travelled all the way from Nigeria to celebrate her graduation from Ashesi. For her parents Prince Austine and Ego Osagie-Erese though, this position was not entirely unfamiliar. Their first daughter, Thelma, also graduated from Ashesi two years earlier. “They have become independent Amazons who can stand on their own anywhere, any day, anytime and that makes us proud,” said Ego, of both their daughters.
Six years ago, all was set for Thelma to enroll at University of Ibadan, but when the university’s faculty went on strike, they were forced to reconsider their options. “We took a census and found out that universities in Nigeria often go on strike so we decided that Thelma should attend a university outside the country,” Prince Austine explained. “During our search, we heard about Ashesi from Thelma’s friend, Kabiru Seidu ‘14 and when we went online, we liked what we saw.”
Naturally, sending their first child off to university in another country, they were concerned about her well being, but by the time Ivy, the second daughter, was ready for university, the choice was not as difficult. “We were very impressed with Thelma’s development,” Ego said. “So for Ivy, the decision [about Ashesi] came naturally.”
For the Osagie-Ereses, Ashesi represents a model they have embraced. Ashesi’s liberal arts curriculum and exposure given to students proved the needed mix for their daughters’ development. “Ashesi provided not just the academic standard we were looking for but also had the liberal aspect that made it attractive,” Ego added. “The training enhanced leadership qualities and interaction with diverse group of people.”
As they celebrate both their daughters’ transition to new stages of their lives, they couldn’t be prouder. In six years, Prince Austine and Ego have watched Thelma and Ivy grow in many ways, stemming from the decision they made about choosing Ashesi. “We have a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, good financial investment and a feeling of achievement,” concluded Prince Austine.
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