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Do not despise small beginnings because according to Tiny Buddha \u2018\u2018from small beginnings come great things\u2019\u2019. This is the case of Jim Ovia, and Tony Elumelu, both of whom are renowned and successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What were their small beginnings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim Ovia – A Clerk at Union Bank<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim Ovia took up his first job immediately after completing secondary school. He worked as a clerk at Union Bank, formerly Barclays Bank DCO (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas). While working in the bank, Ovia was also dealing in used cars, popularly called “Tokunbo” in Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After working for 3 years as a clerk, he proceeded to the United State of America where he had his first degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (1977). He bagged a master’s degree at the University of Louisiana, Monroe, USA, in 1979, still in Business Administration. Along the line, he developed an interest in computer science and information technology, and incorporated them into his academic programme. Thereafter, he picked up a part-time computer job at Baton Rouge Bank and Trust Company, in Louisiana, USA. Jim Ovia also studied in one of the top business schools in the world, Harvard Business School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n