In an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, Oluwakemi, a student from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has successfully graduated with a B.Sc. in Mass Communication, overcoming immense financial hurdles to reach this milestone. Her journey, which began in December 2017, has been marked by perseverance and the kindness of strangers who supported her along the way.
Oluwakemi first gained widespread attention when she was spotted in the Ifako-Gbagada area of Lagos, holding a placard that read, “Please help a final year student with her school fees. God bless you.” Struggling to pay the N225,000 required for her tuition, especially after a fee hike at UNILAG, she chose to beg for help rather than resort to prostitution. Despite some fee reductions after student protests, many students, including Oluwakemi, still faced significant financial barriers.
Her plea for help struck a chord with many, and soon a good Samaritan stepped in, anonymously covering her outstanding fees and promising to support her throughout her education, including during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and her master’s program. Today, Oluwakemi stands as a proud graduate, reflecting on her arduous but rewarding journey.
“Officially a B.Sc. Mass Communication graduate from the University of Lagos! What started in December 2017 has finally come to a beautiful end today. I’m deeply grateful to God for guiding me through this journey and to everyone who supported me financially along the way,” she shared with gratitude.
Her story is a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and the profound impact it can have on someone’s life. By supporting Oluwakemi’s education, the good Samaritan not only helped her achieve her dream but also contributed to shaping a brighter future for society. Oluwakemi’s achievement underscores the importance of making education accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints, and serves as a call to action for us to invest in the potential of students facing financial challenges. Together, we can build a society where every student has the chance to succeed.
Oluwakemi’s journey stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with determination, faith, and support, no obstacle is too great to overcome.