Hello, my name is Oghenerukevwe Omote-Agofure, but my friends call me Rookie. For years, I struggled with addiction until I went sober in 2019.

In 2020, I was diagnosed with a PUJ obstruction, meaning the connection between my renal pelvis and urethra was too narrow. This would cause a backlog of fluids frequently and so I would be in excruciating pain.

Since 2018, I have undergone numerous tests, but the doctors in Nigeria either couldn’t correctly diagnose my condition or misdiagnosed it as kidney stones. Eventually, in 2020, I was accurately diagnosed with a PUJ obstruction and advised to have surgery outside the country. My parents were very supportive, and we started making plans in 2021 to have the surgery at London Bridge Hospital in England, but my visa was rejected.

I continued to live in constant pain and fear until 2022 when I realized it would be easier to access quality healthcare on a student visa. Around this time, I was also considering pursuing a master’s degree. I applied to several universities and was accepted into the University of Buckingham for an undergraduate degree in law. Given my age and interests, I thought this was the best option since it is a two-year program. With the help of my mother and other family members, we raised the needed funds for my tuition, and I eventually made it to Buckingham.

My father was very supportive during this period, contributing to my travel expenses and accommodation, even though he did not initially support this decision. After the first two semesters, my mother and other family members could no longer continue with the tuition fees, so she reached out to my father regarding the matter. Since then, he has handled everything. God bless his heart.

Thankfully, in December 2023, I had a successful surgery. However, due to the economic struggles in Nigeria, my father is now unable to continue with these payments. I have six months (two semesters) left in my degree program and am slated to graduate in March 2025. I have tried everything to clear my outstanding balance, and the school has been kind enough to set up several payment plans to meet deadlines. Due to my student visa, I can only work part-time during the semester, and because of my condition, I couldn’t work for the longest time or would miss several days calling in sick. However, I did the best I could. After my surgery, I have been working every opportunity I get and managing schooling, but I was unable to earn enough money to keep up with the fees.

On Monday, the university officially put me on STOP and advised that I have three weeks to clear my balance or be forced to stop my degree effective immediately. This means that I’d have to return to Nigeria and could only return after a year.

Life has been quite a struggle, overcoming addiction and health issues, but through God’s grace, I have finally reached a place where I can graduate and continue on a good path. I hope I can reach my goal with your kind help.

£1,700 will go towards the balance I’ve owed for the last 6 months of rent.

The remaining £13,300 will go towards the tuition fees I’ve owed for the last two semesters and then cover the next two semesters.

To anyone who’s reading this and finds it in their heart or pockets to donate, nothing is too small, God bless you abundantly. Thank you for contributing to my future, and I hope I can give back in the same way one day.

Please use the account below if you can only donate in Naira. Thank you

Oghenerukevwe Omote-Agofure

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