Itoro Ugorji has developed a reliable childcare system that allows working parents to focus on their daily activities without worrying about their children’s well-being. Before entering the childcare industry, Ugorji amassed over six years of experience in Nigeria’s banking sector, holding significant positions at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Access Bank.
It took a while before Itoro Ugorji had her first child. After the delivery, juggling work and motherhood was challenging. Worse, outsourcing the care of her baby to a childcare provider was far-fetched.
While working in the banking sector, she saw how many colleagues struggled to balance their careers and their children’s well-being, especially mothers. This constant challenge made her realise there had to be a better alternative. That realisation pushed her to create a solution that allows parents to pursue their careers without guilt or worry.
Despite having a successful banking career, her deep passion for early childhood education inspired her to transition into childcare. To transform her passion into expertise, she gained valuable experience by working with several reputable institutions in the United States, including Nursery Hill Elementary School and Smart Kidz Academy in South Carolina.
Establishing Baby Lounge
In 2016, Itoro Ugorji launched The Baby Lounge in Lagos, setting a new standard for childcare in Nigeria. The organisation offers various services, including crèche facilities, after-school care, in-home childminding, and weekend programmes. She aimed to support modern parents by providing their children with a safe, stimulating, and professional environment.
The Baby Lounge offers over 50 childcare training courses and has successfully trained 700 professionals, elevating the childcare services standard in Nigeria. Since its inception, they have had consistent financial growth, with revenues reaching $171,335 in 2021.
Ugorji has cared for over 8,000 children and offers various services, including weekend care, holiday camps, hotel babysitting, and more. To enhance her expertise further, she obtained a Diploma in Children’s Studies, which equipped her with the knowledge and skills required for childcare.
“We are saying that just the same way you can’t go and perform surgery as a doctor because you didn’t go to medical school, you can’t also start a good crèche without proper training.”~Ugorji told This Day Live.
Her commitment to excellence has granted her memberships in the U.S. National Association for the Education of Young Children (N.A.E.Y.C) and the World Forum Foundation.
She has also been instrumental in designing, setting up, and managing on-site crèches for prominent organisations such as TOTAL E&P Nigeria, Access Bank Plc., and MTN Nigeria.
Through Baby Lounge, Itoro Ugorji has set new standards in early childhood care. This ensures that parents, especially mothers, can confidently pursue their professional aspirations, knowing their children are under the care of professionals.
