Ebi Obaro: A Visionary CEO Transforming Education and Immigration Between Nigeria and Canada
Ebi Obaro stands out as a distinguished Canadian education and immigration consultant and entrepreneur, widely recognized for her pivotal role in strengthening educational ties between Nigeria and Canada for more than two decades. Her strategic leadership has positioned her among Nigeria's most transformative CEOs, with a profound impact on global mobility and academic opportunities.
Founding and Expanding Maple Education Canada
In 2003, Ebi founded Maple Education Canada Inc. in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, expanding operations to Nigeria in 2004. What began in 2000 as a simple request to help a friend secure an affordable Canadian school for a child has since evolved into one of Nigeria's most established Canadian education and immigration consultancy firms. Under her leadership, the organization has supported more than 10,000 Nigerian students in accessing quality education in Canada.
Today, Maple Education operates offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, maintaining affiliations with over 65 Canadian schools, colleges, and universities. To meet the regulatory standards of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the organization is supported by a team of four experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants who provide tailored immigration advisory services to international clients.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion
Through Maple Education Canada, Ebi has partnered with several state governments in Nigeria to facilitate scholarship opportunities for their indigenes to study in Canada. Recognizing the growing demand for quality international education and the challenges students sometimes encounter in meeting Canadian immigration criteria, Ebi founded Worldwide Integrated Network & Education (WINE) in 2006. This organization assists Nigerian students in exploring educational opportunities across leading global destinations beyond Canada.
For over 16 years, WINE has helped students secure admission into reputable institutions worldwide while providing structured guidance through admissions and visa processes. The organization maintains partnerships with institutions across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Europe, delivering personalized advisory services to prospective students.
Innovative Educational Pathways and Infrastructure
In 2019, Maple Canadian College (MCC) was established by Maple Education Canada Inc. to provide African students with direct access to internationally recognized academic pathways. MCC offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program for students in Grades 10 to 12, effectively bridging the gap between the West African secondary school curriculum and the Canadian high school system.
The program prepares Nigerian and international students for university education in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe. Located in Lekki, Lagos, MCC features modern learning facilities, including advanced classrooms, laboratories, and collaborative study environments designed to support a 21st-century learning experience.
Global Mobility and Citizenship Solutions
Further expanding her vision for global mobility, Ebi established Mobility Options Consulting Ltd. in 2021. The firm provides clients with customized pathways to residency and citizenship-by-investment programs, facilitating legitimate global mobility solutions through partnerships with governments and international institutions.
Awards, Philanthropy, and Impact
Despite being offered several honorary doctorate degrees (honoris causa) by international universities, Ebi has consistently declined such recognitions, choosing instead to focus on the measurable impact of her work. Through the organizations she founded, she has received numerous accolades, including:
- The Best Partner Canada Award by Navitas
- The Excellence in Education Award from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- British Airways' Best Partner with Group Sales Award in 2021
- The Outstanding Support Award in the North/West Africa Roadshow in 2023 by Illume Consulting
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Maple Education Canada, Ebi led several philanthropic initiatives, including sponsoring the continued undergraduate education of a female student at the University of Lagos and supporting students at the University of Ilorin in 2023. As an indigene of Bayelsa State, she also funded the full renovation of Odi Government Secondary School and implemented water borehole projects in the community.
Through her organizations, Ebi currently employs more than 65 professionals dedicated to advancing education, mobility, and global opportunities for students and families. Ebi Obaro's work reflects a firm belief that education is a transformative force—one capable of expanding opportunities, empowering communities, and shaping the next generation of global leaders.
