UNILAG Graduate Opens Up About Emotional Journey Behind Viral Street Plea for School Fees
A University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate, who captured national attention after her heartfelt plea for school fees went viral online, has shared the deeply personal story behind her public appeal. Oluwakemisola Emmanuel, now 31, revealed the circumstances that led her to the streets of Lagos in 2023, carrying a placard that simply read "help me" in a desperate bid to complete her education.
The Beginning of an Educational Struggle
Oluwakemisola's journey at UNILAG began while she was working as a waitress before transitioning to becoming a beautician. During her time as a waitress, she encountered a clergyman who inquired about her educational background. After hearing her story, he encouraged her to pursue further studies and even assisted with her enrollment at the Guinea Lagos Institute of Continuing Education for evening lectures.
"My name is Emmanuel Oluwakemisola. I have always worked while going to school," she explained. "My journey at the University of Lagos started when I was working as a waitress before becoming a beautician. One day, while working, I met a man of God who asked about me. I had just finished some studies and was working because I did not have enough money to go back to school."
The clergyman paid for her first year of studies, but when he relocated with his family, Oluwakemisola found herself without financial support during her final year. Faced with the prospect of dropping out after nearly eight years of perseverance through academic strikes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous other challenges, she made the difficult decision to seek public assistance.
The Viral Moment and Public Reaction
When asked about her feelings while begging on the streets, Oluwakemisola admitted to experiencing shame and disappointment. "I felt ashamed. I felt like my parents had failed me, even though they are alive and well," she confessed. "I felt disappointed in the school system because there should be a proper way to manage fee increases. I knew people would talk and criticize me, but my goal was to get support for my school fees."
The public reaction to her video was mixed. While some classmates questioned her methods and appearance, others offered unexpected support. "Some classmates asked how I could do that, how I could go to the streets," she recalled. "One said I did not look like I needed school fees because I was dressed properly. Those moments made me tear up, but I kept going."
Despite initially tagging bloggers and celebrities like Davido, Asha Kain, and Tunde Ednut without receiving immediate assistance, Oluwakemisola eventually found support from everyday Nigerians who responded to her plea.
Transformation Through Community Support
The donations she received exceeded her expectations, allowing her to not only pay her outstanding school fees but also establish a small business. "Who helped me? Honestly, many Nigerians helped me," she revealed. "Everyday people gave me money even if it was not shown in videos. I got more than I expected. Some of the money helped pay my school fees, and I also used some to start a business."
She specifically mentioned that a company called Future Finance asked her to hold a placard while they provided financial assistance, and anonymous donors contributed significantly, with one individual even paying her school fees directly.
Life After Graduation and Health Challenges
Despite her academic achievement, Oluwakemisola faced significant health setbacks that prevented her from attending her convocation ceremony. "After graduation, I had many interviews to attend, but I ended up in the hospital from January to mid-March," she shared. "I had two major surgeries for fibroids. I was supposed to do the surgery at a military hospital, but it did not work, so I was moved to another hospital."
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for being alive and for the opportunities that have emerged since her story gained attention. "Since then, my life has changed. Maybe not exactly the way I wanted, but I am grateful to be alive and to have opportunities like this interview," she said. "People see me as motivation. I also felt relief. I did not do anything wrong to get this money. It showed me that there are people willing to help if you ask."
Advice for Students Facing Similar Struggles
Oluwakemisola offered heartfelt advice to students experiencing similar educational challenges:
- Assess your situation objectively: "When it gets tough, ask yourself: is my problem bigger than other people's problems? Is it solvable?"
- Be willing to overcome personal barriers: "If I ask for help, will I get results? Am I ready to let go of my shame, pride, and ego to chase my goal?"
- Maintain perspective and resilience: "Everybody struggles, even first class students. Whatever struggle you are in, do not give up. Do not limit yourself."
- Focus on solutions: "Do not think death is the end or that it cannot be solved. There is always a solution. If you need to lower your standard to get a result, do it."
Her story serves as a powerful testament to the challenges many Nigerian students face in pursuing higher education and the transformative power of community support when individuals have the courage to ask for help.
