LAGOS – In a heartwarming act of generosity, an indigent 21-year-old student at the University of Lagos, Peter Adeniran, studying in the Department of Linguistics, African, and Asian Studies, has received a lifeline from the alumni of the department. Adeniran, who was facing the threat of discontinuing his education due to financial constraints, expressed his gratitude during a private ceremony organized by the department on Saturday in Lagos.
The event saw the alumni of the department’s 2008 set present Adeniran with a cheque of N150,000, covering his obligatory fees for the academic session. Overwhelmed by the unexpected support, Adeniran, who couldn’t afford to pay his fees and was at risk of dropping out, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to share his emotions.
“I must say I am overwhelmed and shocked at this turnaround of events in my life. I had already zeroed my mind to drop from school because help was not coming from anywhere, and so, there was no hope of continuing with my studies,” Adeniran said. He further emphasized the significance of this assistance in his academic journey, pledging not to disappoint the alumni who had shown their belief in him.
The situation became critical for Adeniran when the university increased the obligatory fees for the session, a financial burden he was unprepared for. Being a self-sponsored student, he was unsure how he would meet the new fee requirements. He had even discussed his plight with his course adviser, but a ray of hope shone when he received a call, prompting him to meet with the alumni.
Dr. Adedoyin Eleshin, a lecturer in the department, explained that Adeniran’s story was touching and had been selected after a thorough screening process among other indigent students in the department. Adeniran’s challenging journey, moving from Oyo to Lagos in search of a better life, reflected his determination and resilience.
Adeniran, who supported himself through menial jobs and showed exceptional academic promise with a current GPA of 4.50, was on track to graduate with a first-class degree. The alumni’s intervention was timely and will enable him to continue his education with renewed dedication.
Mr. Tunde Oladipo, Chairman of the Reunion Committee 2023 of the department’s 2008 set, noted that the gesture was part of their activities during their reunion. He underlined the importance of giving back to society by supporting academically gifted students like Adeniran.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Ilupeju Mudasiru, praised the alumni’s initiative and called for its emulation across other departments. He highlighted the commitment of the university’s vice chancellor to prevent students from dropping out due to increased obligatory fees and encouraged other departments to follow suit.
This inspiring act of kindness serves as a shining example of the positive impact that alumni can have on the academic aspirations of struggling students, and it paves the way for future efforts to support underprivileged scholars within the university.
