Panoba IN DETAIL
British education consultants and Co-founders, Debbie Gispan and Nicky Sakpoba, recognise that each child is unique and ensure that the final choice of education is centred around an understanding of the student and what will suit them best.
Panoba are a certified agent of the prestigious BSA (Boarding Schools Association). Boasting a strong and extensive database of personal and professional contacts and services which enables them to provide their clients with a level of service unattainable elsewhere. Discretion, trustworthiness and professionalism are what makes Panoba the lifestyle service choice for our overseas and high-end clientele
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PANOBA UK
NICKY SAKPOBA
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
+44 203 633 3101 | +44 7956 963022 | +234 818 997 1784
NICKY@PANOBA.CO.UK
Nicky was educated at an independent girls’ school in West London and went on to study European Languages at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Her career began in the hospitality sector, where she spent ten years in management roles within some of London’s leading five-star hotels. She then transitioned into the commercial property sector, holding senior sales, marketing and business development positions for over twelve years. During this time she gained extensive experience in client relationship management, strategic planning and delivering high-level service to discerning international clients.
As a mother of two young adults, Nicky has personally navigated the UK education system from early years through to university entry. This first-hand experience, combined with her professional background, led her to co-found Panoba in 2014, with the aim of providing clear, knowledgeable and reassuring guidance to families exploring UK education.
Today, Nicky works directly with families on school and university placements, oversees Panoba’s consultants and manages relationships with UK schools. She particularly enjoys the challenge of finding tailored pathways for students whose requirements fall outside traditional entry routes, and is dedicated to ensuring that every family feels supported and every student is placed in an environment where they can flourish.
Nicky is based in North London and travels regularly to Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to meet families, schools and partner organisations.
PANOBA NIGERIA
DEBBIE GISPAN
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
+234 813 555 3377 | +44 7956 910459
debbie@panoba.co.uk
Debbie was educated within the UK independent sector and attended a boarding school during her teenage years. She later studied at University College London and completed an MSc in International Business from the University of London.
She began her career in investment banking, where she developed strong leadership, strategic planning and client relationship skills, working in high-expectation environments where precision, service and discretion were essential. In 2010, Debbie moved to West Africa, where she became increasingly aware of the need for credible, experienced and genuinely supportive guidance for families considering education in the UK.
Driven by this insight, and informed by her own journey as a parent navigating school admissions, Debbie co-founded Panoba in 2014. She has been instrumental in shaping the company’s commitment to clear, honest and tailored advice, ensuring that every family is understood as an individual case, not a process.
Debbie works closely with families across West Africa, guiding them through school and university pathways and maintaining strong relationships with partner schools and educational organisations. As a mother of two young adults and a teenager, she appreciates both the practical and emotional considerations that influence educational decisions and is dedicated to helping families make confident, well-informed choices.
PANOBA NIGERIA
OLUWATOBI RUTH OJO
EDUCATION CONSULTANT
+234 (0) 816 725 5225 | +44 (0)203 633 3101
tobiojo@panoba.co.uk
Tobi received her education at a Federal Government Girls’ Boarding School in Nigeria before continuing her studies at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English Language.
She began her career in the information technology sector, initially working in customer support and later progressing into a customer retention role. During this time, she developed strong communication skills and a client-centred approach, supporting individuals through important decisions with clarity and care.
Tobi joined Panoba to support families in Nigeria exploring UK foundation pathways, undergraduate entry and postgraduate study. She works closely with students to understand their academic aims and personal circumstances, helping them identify suitable institutions, prepare for applications and navigate key considerations such as budget planning and visa requirements. Her role includes conducting assessments, providing guidance on academic pathways and supporting families throughout each stage of the admissions process.
Tobi is committed to providing clear, supportive and reassuring guidance, with a particular understanding of the barriers and challenges that can arise when applying to study abroad. As a mother of two young children, she brings empathy and a calm, patient approach to her work with families.
PANOBA NIGERIA
MARY-CYNTHIA OKOYE
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
+234 (0) 913 377 7333 | +44 (0)203 633 3101
mary@panoba.co.uk
Mary was educated in Nigeria and went on to study for her Bachelor of Science degree at Madonna University. She later completed a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Her career began in the health sector before she transitioned into client-focused and managerial roles across the education and service industries. In these roles she developed strong communication and relationship management skills, supporting clients and teams with care and professionalism.
Mary joined Panoba Nigeria to lead business development and to strengthen the company’s partnerships within the educational landscape across Nigeria. She works closely with school leaders, counsellors and community partners to build collaborative relationships that benefit students and their families. In addition to her business development role, Mary also meets with prospective families, advising on schooling pathways and guiding them through the stages of the UK admissions journey.
Mary is passionate about creating meaningful connections and supporting families as they make important educational decisions. She lives in Nigeria with her family and enjoys music and dancing in her spare time.
PANOBA FORCES
STACEY HEARTFORD
EDUCATION CONSULTANT
+44 203 633 3101
stacey@panoba.co.uk
Stacey studied at the University of Wales Aberystwyth and Nottingham Trent University, completing a BA (Hons) in Film and Television Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Science Research Methods. She began her career in television production, progressing to senior researcher roles and working on documentary projects with a focus on the Armed Forces.
Following her marriage to a serving member of the military, Stacey has lived in multiple locations worldwide and understands first-hand the impact of frequent moves on family life and children’s education. Her subsequent career has included roles within the MOD civil service and pupil support positions in UK schools, including working with children with special educational needs.
Stacey joined Panoba as our Forces and FCDO specialist. She supports service families in navigating school transitions, understanding placement options and securing educational environments that provide stability, continuity and a sense of belonging for their children. Her approach is centered on listening, advocating for the child’s needs and ensuring families feel supported throughout the process.