Osho Ademola Joel is a seasoned entrepreneur, lecturer, and researcher with over a decade of experience spanning banking, agriculture, consulting, and project management. He is the CEO of Supretec.com and a leading partner at Suprefarm, managing over 14 acres of farmland dedicated to sustainable agriculture. He is also a researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), United Kingdom, focusing on women’s empowerment and digital innovation in the Global South.
A graduate of the Master of Business Creation (MBC) programme at the University of Utah, United States, Osho incubated a venture on affordable roofing solutions and alternative financing models during his studies. He also serves as a volunteer facilitator with Fate Foundation, a mentor with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and a judge with the MIT Solve Global Challenge. In March 2025, he represented Nigeria as a delegate at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York.
In this exclusive interview with Edugist, he shares his remarkable journey. From repeated visa denials to graduating at the top of his cohort, Osho’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and innovation. He reflects on the lessons learnt, the sacrifices made, and his vision to drive affordable housing and climate-smart agriculture across Africa.
How did the visa denials shape your journey?
The turning point of my journey began with repeated visa denials. At the time, it felt like doors were being slammed shut, but in reality, those rejections redirected me toward something greater. They forced me to pause, reflect, and ask myself what value I could create at home instead of waiting endlessly for opportunities abroad.
Before then, I had always been drawn to business. Growing up, I helped my mother sell garri, which planted the seed of entrepreneurship in me. That experience taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and how to engage customers — lessons I still rely on today.
After school, I worked as a Facility Manager at a food processing company. But it was during the frustration of visa denials that I realised I had to take ownership of my future. I ventured into construction, first with a roofing company and later with a UPVC windows and doors company. These roles opened my eyes to industry gaps and gave me the hands-on knowledge I would later build on.
With that experience, I made the bold decision to launch Supretec Roofing. My entrepreneurial journey took further shape when I was accepted into the AEP programme of Fate Foundation, which provided structure, mentorship, and a strong network of support. Looking back, those denials were really a redirection toward purpose.
How did you balance business with schoolwork?
Balancing my MBC programme at the University of Utah with everything else was one of the toughest challenges I have faced. At the time, I was teaching Entrepreneurship at two UK partner universities, building Supretec, volunteering with MIT Solve Global, Fate Foundation, and TEF, while also managing a co-ownership farm project and conducting research across five countries in the Global South.
Most nights, I could not start coursework until after 11:30 p.m. and often worked until 3 a.m. But I coped by submitting assignments early, exchanging notes with classmates, and leaning on the steady support of a facilitator and mentor who constantly kept me on track. It was an intense balancing act, but discipline and support helped me through it.
What does your patience with Utah’s programme teach entrepreneurs?
The MBC programme taught me that entrepreneurship is as much about patience and discipline as it is about creativity and vision. Juggling my studies with business showed me that progress comes from staying consistent and making intentional choices, even when everything feels overwhelming.
That patience taught me that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint — and I now carry that lesson into every project I take on.
How did the MBC programme change your approach to business?
The experience reshaped how I see business entirely. At the very beginning, we worked on the Four Wheels Project, where I had to balance four critical areas: family, community, business, and self. That exercise reminded me that building a company goes beyond profits; it requires balance, responsibility, and resilience.
The programme also pushed me straight into the market. I had to conduct real sales, pitch, listen to customers, and refine offers. To guide us, they provided templates covering every area of business — legal structures, finance, marketing, HR, and CRM systems.
I was also assigned a seasoned mentor who had chaired businesses across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. That global perspective was invaluable. Twice during the programme, I faced boardroom sessions where entrepreneurs grilled me on my business. Those tough sessions sharpened my thinking and gave me actionable insights I still use today.
At the end, there was a rigorous due diligence process. Every aspect of the company — sales, operations, legal, finance, HR — was reviewed by experts. By the time I passed through that, I knew I had not just an idea, but a structured, investment-ready business.
Most importantly, I created a fintech prototype for alternative project funding, which has since been absorbed into the Crimson Project at Utah. That achievement gave me the confidence to see my work as scalable and impactful beyond the classroom.
How has support shaped your growth, and how will you give back?
My mentor was instrumental to my success. At critical points, he guided, challenged, and kept me accountable — even at odd hours. His input refined the Supretec model into what it is today.
The Programme Director also supported me with referrals and recommendations that opened doors I could not have accessed alone. That reinforced my belief that growth is never a solo journey.
In return, I have recommended others into the programme, some of whom later received funding. Beyond that, I’m committed to mentoring young people, sharing knowledge, and expanding Supretec’s vision — especially by democratising access to housing and affordable roofing so that wealth creation and sustainable living can be widely available.
What impact do you hope to make in Africa in five years?
During the programme, I developed an alternative funding model for roofing access. At first, it targeted low-income families, but my mentor encouraged me to broaden it to middle-income earners and the diaspora. That led to Suprebase, a platform built on group contributions and co-ownership.
Through Suprebase, families will be able to finance roofing projects without upfront burden. Alongside that, we are launching smart farming initiatives to fight climate change and create wealth. One of our key commitments is to plant 500,000 palm trees in five years, creating afforestation, green jobs, and sustainable income.
We are also working on holiday co-ownership homes across Africa, giving people both leisure access and investment opportunities. Altogether, our model will create jobs for farmers, builders, and managers while enabling families to build shared wealth.
After repeated setbacks, what fueled your resilience?
What fueled my resilience was the conviction that education could change the trajectory of my life. Applying to Utah meant proving I could compete on a global stage.
During the programme, I stayed focused by remembering the sacrifices I had already made to get there. Each challenge reminded me that quitting was not an option. That mindset kept me pushing until I emerged top of my cohort.
What key sacrifices did you make along the way?
Sacrifice was unavoidable. I gave up comfort, leisure, and in many cases, personal time with family and friends. There were countless sleepless nights and constant pressure to keep up in a very competitive programme filled with global scholars.
But every sacrifice reinforced my determination. They were the price I was willing to pay to prove that with consistency and faith, success was within reach.
How did your OND background prepare you for success at Utah?
My OND was the foundation. I was drilled by lecturers like Mr. Oluwatusin and Mr. Mordi, who taught us ruthlessness and discipline. We practised University of London past questions, ICAN, and CIBN materials that stretched us far beyond the basics.
That environment built toughness, resilience, and focus. Despite the intensity, I graduated with Distinction. That rigorous foundation gave me the grit to survive — and eventually thrive — in the MBC programme.
