Idorenyin Essiet

Living in a remote Scottish town, the distance learning opportunities offered by The Open University (OU) in Scotland are enabling Idorenyin Essiet to pursue a career in social work and develop a new business idea to help carers, supporting his passion to make a difference to people’s lives.

Originally from Nigeria, Idorenyin, aged 44, moved to the far north of Scotland after his wife got a position as an optometrist in Wick, Caithness.

Studying with the OU in Scotland was a natural choice when Idorenyin made the decision to return to his studies. He’d gained a degree in computer science 18 years ago and has since worked across a diverse range of areas, including IT, law enforcement, agricultural business development, and more recently in social care.

Idorenyin explains: “Living in a remote rural area like Caithness, access to traditional, campus-based education is limited. The flexibility of online, distance learning with the OU has been crucial.

“It has allowed me to pursue higher education without being constrained by geography. Without this option, continuing my education would have been very difficult.”

Working as a support worker in the Highlands, Idorenyin decided to study with the OU in Scotland to pursue his goal in progressing into a career in social work. He started studying with the OU in Scotland in October 2025, registering to study for three modules in Introducing health and social care, Introducing the social sciences, and Foundations for social care and social work.

“I am passionate about developing my skills and knowledge to better support vulnerable individuals and make a meaningful difference in their lives,” he says.

‘Business idea closer to reality’

I would strongly encourage anyone considering studying with the OU in Scotland to take that step, especially aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Shortly before beginning his OU studies, Idorenyin came up with the business idea for SolasBand while researching solutions to support the family of someone he was caring for. 

He explains: “SolasBand is a concept focused on supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of carers.

“Our initial solution uses readily available wearable technology, such as smartwatches, to monitor carers’ vital signs. If a carer becomes critically unwell or unresponsive, the system can automatically alert a designated contact - whether that’s local services, family members, friends, or neighbours - ensuring timely intervention and support.”

Since starting with the OU in Scotland, Idorenyin says has been able to significantly refine and develop the idea further, commenting: “My OU studies have played an important role in developing SolasBand. In particular, the research skills I have gained have been invaluable in shaping the idea, exploring relevant evidence, and understanding how to design a solution that is both practical and impactful.”

Idorenyin has become a member of the OU in Scotland’s Open Enterprise Network (OEN) aimed at supporting OU students, staff and recent alumni to become entrepreneurs and grow their businesses.

It was due to OEN that he found out about Converge’s KickStart Challenge to support aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that they would like to test, validate and prepare to launch. Idorenyin has since been successfully shortlisted for his business idea.

He adds: “Through the OEN, I also received valuable guidance and feedback on my application before submission. This support has been key to my progress so far.

“Being shortlisted for the 2026 KickStart Challenge was an incredibly exciting experience. It still feels surreal. Through this opportunity, I have benefited from specialised training, networking events, and connections with strategic partners, all of which are helping to bring SolasBand closer to reality.”

‘Outstanding support’

The flexibility of online, distance learning with the OU has been crucial. It has allowed me to pursue higher education without being constrained by geography.”

Balancing his studies while working, developing his business idea and family life, with three children aged between seven and 15, Idorenyin admits that this can be challenging and the flexibility offered by the OU has been essential.

“At times, I have fallen behind in my studies due to competing responsibilities, but the structure of OU learning allows me to catch up and continue progressing, which would not have been possible in a more rigid academic setting,” he points out.

Idorenyin adds: “The support from the OU has been outstanding. My tutors have been incredibly encouraging, helping me achieve marks of over 70% in my assessments. The student support services have also been very responsive, particularly when I needed to make changes to my modules within a short timeframe.”

Looking towards the future, Idorenyin is focused on completing his full social work degree with The Open University, to pursue a career in the profession.

He concludes: “I would strongly encourage anyone considering studying with the OU in Scotland to take that step, especially aspiring entrepreneurs. It is one of the best decisions you can make if you are looking to advance your career while also pursuing business ideas alongside employment.”