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Please read Segun's story of courage below.
The short version of this man's life is that he has come upon some hard times and is struggling to finance his university masters degree. Segun is incredibly intelligent and polite and has never asked for anything. Despite his recent misfortunes, his faith in God has told him to never beg for anything and that God will provide for him. It is this humility that brought Segun to one family that now sees him as a gift, and to another family where their own faith was struggling, and was renewed. These two families have come together to help him. Once you have read his story please give as generously as you can so Segun can complete his graduate work.
Segun grew up in Lagos, Nigeria with his parents and 2 brothers. He was taught to be committed to his family, his studies and his Christian faith. Segun’s parents provided the best care for him and worked very hard to send him to a Roman Catholic boarding school where the course load was rigorous. During his high school years he was up for prayers at 5:30am and in the classroom by 6:00am. At 4:00pm the students rested and ate then continued their studies from 6:00-9:00pm.
By the end of his high school studies his marks were the highest in the class and Segun received a scholarship to one of the best universities in Nigeria. It wasn’t long into his university studies when he began struggling; his anxiety during tests and exams got so intense that his grades began to fall. Although he would study day and night for an exam, the results were low grades.
During his time at the University, Segun began helping with the church and serving at mass. He was offered an opportunity to attend a religious retreat where he prayed to God for confidence during his exams. After the retreat his studies became clearer and he began getting much higher grades with less studying! His knowledge became more powerful as his faith and strength in God grew. It took Segun 3 years to complete his undergraduate degree and received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science – with First Class Honors.
In Segun's final year of his undergraduate program he knew he wanted to further pursue his education and work towards a masters degree. Upon completion of University in Nigeria, students were obligated to provide one year of service to the the Nigerian Government as a way of giving back to their country. Although Segun was offered scholarships to prestigious Universities in the UK, he stayed in Nigeria to fulfill his service duty and was posted to a position at a University in northern Nigeria; an area of the country considered to be unsafe. Segun believed God would protect him during this time and whether it be luck, or the protection of God through Segun's faith, he narrowly missed two separate bombings where many people were killed.
During his one year of service, Segun worked as a a Research Assistant for a professor that maintained a dual role with the University in northern Nigeria and the United Nations. The professor was so impressed with Segun's calibre of work, he was offered a very lucrative position with the UN in Nigeria. However, Segun's thirst for knowledge took over; he still wanted to pursue a graduate degree and one day become a University Professor instead.
Thus, Segun's search for a graduate program in political studies began, and he had set his sights on some of the most prestigious universities in the United States.
Except, during his Graduate Record Exam, an exam required to attend school in the United States, his anxieties returned. Although upset, this did not stop Segun. After a discussion with his University Advisor, he decided to search through Canadian Universities. It was this search that brought him to the University of Manitoba website, where the department of Political Studies had the exact program he wanted to study. Excited, Segun applied to the department immediately and patiently waited for a response. The response from the U of M was very positive – Segun was awarded a partial scholarship towards his first year tuition fees.
Segun's parents were very proud of him and comitted to continue working hard to provide the other portion of his tuition fees and room and board. Segun left for Canada in August 2015 and began his graduate coursework the following month. During this time, Segun secured a Teaching Assistant position that helped pay for his day to day expenses and rented a room in a home close to the university.
Segun's work ethic was (and still is) admirable, and he spent day and night on his studies. Although he initially struggled through some classes, one of his professors loaned him books to help him gain some background information as his knowledge was limited in certain areas. He read them all (cover to cover) and was then able to contribute to class discussions. His marks were high and he was thriving in the program. His first year of graduate studies was extremely successful.
One month prior to Segun leaving Nigeria, his mother (who was a Chauffer) was in a car accident and has been unable to work since. The costs associated to the accident have prevented his parents from helping Segun financially. For a few months, Segun's Teaching Assistant position was able to cover expenses that would have otherwise been covered by his parents, but the position ended in April 2016. Segun had enough money to live for only a few months after this. His landlord, who was also a student, was quite supportive of him and seeing how hard he worked at his studies he let Segun live rent free for a few months.
Unfortunately, in September of 2016 this kindness was unable to continue (the landlord was moving) and Segun was forced to vacate his room. Luckily, a friend allowed him to live at his home for a few months while Segun finished up his thesis and searched for part time work. Although he applied for many jobs, he was never hired. Segun still continued to work on his thesis and completed his first draft in September 2016, the same month his tuition ($5600) came due which he was unable to pay. Because he couldn’t pay his tuition, Segun felt that he was no longer a student at the University of Manitoba and did not think it was proper to contact his professor and continue his thesis work.
In November 2016 Segun and his friend that he was residing with, realized they had very different perspectives on many things that Segun held dear to his heart. On November 20, 2016 he and his friend decided to part ways – Segun was now homeless. Segun's personal belongings were left in boxes outside his friend’s home. The boxes contained his laptop with all of his graduate research and his passport. He wondered aimlessly around downtown Winnipeg not knowing where to go or who to turn to. But Segun perservered during this time. With only 60 cents to his name, he hopped on a bus to go to the University of Manitoba. 60 cents was not enough for bus fare however the bus driver was gracious and let Segun on the bus. While on the bus, he sat next to a person holding a bible. On the cover was a verse – Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Segun knew the Lord was with him and will provide for him in his time of need.
Segun spent 3 nights in various University lounges and libraries; sleeping when and where he could. He never begged for any food or shelter as he believed God would provide for him. He found the occasional edible food item in various trash cans at the University but, Segun was tired and hungry. It did not take long for his body to become fraile and weary and it was his faith in God that carried his body through this incredibly difficult time.
In late November he went to the department office he was doing his studies through. The woman who worked there saw Segun was in obvious distress and immediately gave him some food and money. This wonderful woman knew of Segun's grace and worked very hard to help him. She immediately contacted his professor. Once Segun's professor heard that he had fallen on extremely hard times he offered Segun a research position that paid $2000. However, because this was a University position, Segun was unable to accept it because he still owed $5600 for his tuition fees. At the University, any student who owes fees is unble to access any resources or accept any available jobs until all outstanding fees are paid. Unfortunately for Segun, the very job that would help him pay his fees was off limits! It was also during this time that Segun's student visa was coming due. Miraculously, a wonderful woman helped renew his Student Visa and paid the fees associated to it.
During this time, emergency housing on campus was found for Segun. He was able to stay somewere safe and warm for 3 weeks; but food was not included. Again, Segun tried to find food where ever he could.
Many University staff went out of their way to help Segun during this time because they believed in him as a student. They knew he would never beg or ask for anything, he was a kind hearted human being.
On December 16th, 2016 the emergency housing ran out and Segun was then again forced to sleep in various parts of the University campus. Segun prayed to God – the Lord was his shelter – even when things couldn’t look any more bleak - he knew God would provide for him. He had faith and he prayed. By this time the University was getting set to shut down for the winter break. He knew he may eventually have to travel to downtown Winnipeg to stay in a shelter there, however he was quite fearful of his safety downtown – so he continued to pray for God to provide for him.
His prayers were finally answered.
After spending 6 days at the University – homeless, hungry and alone – he met another woman at the University that heard about Segun's misfortunes and wanted to reach out to him and help. This is when Segun met Kristy – or “mum” as Segun now calls her.
Kristy and her husband Chris quickly arranged to meet Segun and could immediately see the kind heartedness and gracefulness he possessed. They did not hesitate – they asked Segun if he would be willing to come home with them to spend Christmas with their family. Segun agreed.
Chris and Kristy gave him the warmth, compassion and support Segun was longing for. They opened their home and their hearts to him, and although Segun has only been with their family for a short period, they know he will remain part of their family forever. Segun had an opportunity to spend Christmas with many families who are friends (chosen family) with Chris and Kristy and they have also been touched by this wonderful young man’s kindness, courage, and faith in God. So much so, that Segun has now also become a part of their chosen family as well.
Kristy and her close friend Allyson decided it was necessary to help this young man fulfill his dream of becoming a University Professor and help raise the funds to get his tuition paid. All that is holding him back at this point is $5600, the hold on his university student account, and an additional $2000 (approx) for continuing a final term to defend his thesis. Once these fees are paid, he can defend his thesis almost immediately, he will receive his research assistant position, and he will be able to begin perusing his dreams of being a university professor in political studies. He wants to do a PhD while working – hopefully at the university as a research assistant or instructor.
This is a young man that has an incredible thirst for life, knowledge and faith – please help us raise the money for his tuition.
We want to raise these funds for Segun by January 30, 2017 – one month!! Yes one month!
Every donation – whether it be 5.00, 10.00 or more – will put Segun one step closer to finishing his studies.
Everything is possible with God – said Segun. The world needs young adults like this – please give as generously as you can to help so he can share his positivity with the rest of the world – with the future students of political studies.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for donating.
One of Segun's articles that has been published in the Journal for Deradicalization
The Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: What could have been the precursors?
(Kristy aka "mum" on the left, Segun in the middle, and Allyson aka "Auntie Allyson" on the right).
The short version of this man's life is that he has come upon some hard times and is struggling to finance his university masters degree. Segun is incredibly intelligent and polite and has never asked for anything. Despite his recent misfortunes, his faith in God has told him to never beg for anything and that God will provide for him. It is this humility that brought Segun to one family that now sees him as a gift, and to another family where their own faith was struggling, and was renewed. These two families have come together to help him. Once you have read his story please give as generously as you can so Segun can complete his graduate work.
Segun grew up in Lagos, Nigeria with his parents and 2 brothers. He was taught to be committed to his family, his studies and his Christian faith. Segun’s parents provided the best care for him and worked very hard to send him to a Roman Catholic boarding school where the course load was rigorous. During his high school years he was up for prayers at 5:30am and in the classroom by 6:00am. At 4:00pm the students rested and ate then continued their studies from 6:00-9:00pm.
By the end of his high school studies his marks were the highest in the class and Segun received a scholarship to one of the best universities in Nigeria. It wasn’t long into his university studies when he began struggling; his anxiety during tests and exams got so intense that his grades began to fall. Although he would study day and night for an exam, the results were low grades.
During his time at the University, Segun began helping with the church and serving at mass. He was offered an opportunity to attend a religious retreat where he prayed to God for confidence during his exams. After the retreat his studies became clearer and he began getting much higher grades with less studying! His knowledge became more powerful as his faith and strength in God grew. It took Segun 3 years to complete his undergraduate degree and received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science – with First Class Honors.
In Segun's final year of his undergraduate program he knew he wanted to further pursue his education and work towards a masters degree. Upon completion of University in Nigeria, students were obligated to provide one year of service to the the Nigerian Government as a way of giving back to their country. Although Segun was offered scholarships to prestigious Universities in the UK, he stayed in Nigeria to fulfill his service duty and was posted to a position at a University in northern Nigeria; an area of the country considered to be unsafe. Segun believed God would protect him during this time and whether it be luck, or the protection of God through Segun's faith, he narrowly missed two separate bombings where many people were killed.
During his one year of service, Segun worked as a a Research Assistant for a professor that maintained a dual role with the University in northern Nigeria and the United Nations. The professor was so impressed with Segun's calibre of work, he was offered a very lucrative position with the UN in Nigeria. However, Segun's thirst for knowledge took over; he still wanted to pursue a graduate degree and one day become a University Professor instead.
Thus, Segun's search for a graduate program in political studies began, and he had set his sights on some of the most prestigious universities in the United States.
Except, during his Graduate Record Exam, an exam required to attend school in the United States, his anxieties returned. Although upset, this did not stop Segun. After a discussion with his University Advisor, he decided to search through Canadian Universities. It was this search that brought him to the University of Manitoba website, where the department of Political Studies had the exact program he wanted to study. Excited, Segun applied to the department immediately and patiently waited for a response. The response from the U of M was very positive – Segun was awarded a partial scholarship towards his first year tuition fees.
Segun's parents were very proud of him and comitted to continue working hard to provide the other portion of his tuition fees and room and board. Segun left for Canada in August 2015 and began his graduate coursework the following month. During this time, Segun secured a Teaching Assistant position that helped pay for his day to day expenses and rented a room in a home close to the university.
Segun's work ethic was (and still is) admirable, and he spent day and night on his studies. Although he initially struggled through some classes, one of his professors loaned him books to help him gain some background information as his knowledge was limited in certain areas. He read them all (cover to cover) and was then able to contribute to class discussions. His marks were high and he was thriving in the program. His first year of graduate studies was extremely successful.
One month prior to Segun leaving Nigeria, his mother (who was a Chauffer) was in a car accident and has been unable to work since. The costs associated to the accident have prevented his parents from helping Segun financially. For a few months, Segun's Teaching Assistant position was able to cover expenses that would have otherwise been covered by his parents, but the position ended in April 2016. Segun had enough money to live for only a few months after this. His landlord, who was also a student, was quite supportive of him and seeing how hard he worked at his studies he let Segun live rent free for a few months.
Unfortunately, in September of 2016 this kindness was unable to continue (the landlord was moving) and Segun was forced to vacate his room. Luckily, a friend allowed him to live at his home for a few months while Segun finished up his thesis and searched for part time work. Although he applied for many jobs, he was never hired. Segun still continued to work on his thesis and completed his first draft in September 2016, the same month his tuition ($5600) came due which he was unable to pay. Because he couldn’t pay his tuition, Segun felt that he was no longer a student at the University of Manitoba and did not think it was proper to contact his professor and continue his thesis work.
In November 2016 Segun and his friend that he was residing with, realized they had very different perspectives on many things that Segun held dear to his heart. On November 20, 2016 he and his friend decided to part ways – Segun was now homeless. Segun's personal belongings were left in boxes outside his friend’s home. The boxes contained his laptop with all of his graduate research and his passport. He wondered aimlessly around downtown Winnipeg not knowing where to go or who to turn to. But Segun perservered during this time. With only 60 cents to his name, he hopped on a bus to go to the University of Manitoba. 60 cents was not enough for bus fare however the bus driver was gracious and let Segun on the bus. While on the bus, he sat next to a person holding a bible. On the cover was a verse – Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Segun knew the Lord was with him and will provide for him in his time of need.
Segun spent 3 nights in various University lounges and libraries; sleeping when and where he could. He never begged for any food or shelter as he believed God would provide for him. He found the occasional edible food item in various trash cans at the University but, Segun was tired and hungry. It did not take long for his body to become fraile and weary and it was his faith in God that carried his body through this incredibly difficult time.
In late November he went to the department office he was doing his studies through. The woman who worked there saw Segun was in obvious distress and immediately gave him some food and money. This wonderful woman knew of Segun's grace and worked very hard to help him. She immediately contacted his professor. Once Segun's professor heard that he had fallen on extremely hard times he offered Segun a research position that paid $2000. However, because this was a University position, Segun was unable to accept it because he still owed $5600 for his tuition fees. At the University, any student who owes fees is unble to access any resources or accept any available jobs until all outstanding fees are paid. Unfortunately for Segun, the very job that would help him pay his fees was off limits! It was also during this time that Segun's student visa was coming due. Miraculously, a wonderful woman helped renew his Student Visa and paid the fees associated to it.
During this time, emergency housing on campus was found for Segun. He was able to stay somewere safe and warm for 3 weeks; but food was not included. Again, Segun tried to find food where ever he could.
Many University staff went out of their way to help Segun during this time because they believed in him as a student. They knew he would never beg or ask for anything, he was a kind hearted human being.
On December 16th, 2016 the emergency housing ran out and Segun was then again forced to sleep in various parts of the University campus. Segun prayed to God – the Lord was his shelter – even when things couldn’t look any more bleak - he knew God would provide for him. He had faith and he prayed. By this time the University was getting set to shut down for the winter break. He knew he may eventually have to travel to downtown Winnipeg to stay in a shelter there, however he was quite fearful of his safety downtown – so he continued to pray for God to provide for him.
His prayers were finally answered.
After spending 6 days at the University – homeless, hungry and alone – he met another woman at the University that heard about Segun's misfortunes and wanted to reach out to him and help. This is when Segun met Kristy – or “mum” as Segun now calls her.
Kristy and her husband Chris quickly arranged to meet Segun and could immediately see the kind heartedness and gracefulness he possessed. They did not hesitate – they asked Segun if he would be willing to come home with them to spend Christmas with their family. Segun agreed.
Chris and Kristy gave him the warmth, compassion and support Segun was longing for. They opened their home and their hearts to him, and although Segun has only been with their family for a short period, they know he will remain part of their family forever. Segun had an opportunity to spend Christmas with many families who are friends (chosen family) with Chris and Kristy and they have also been touched by this wonderful young man’s kindness, courage, and faith in God. So much so, that Segun has now also become a part of their chosen family as well.
Kristy and her close friend Allyson decided it was necessary to help this young man fulfill his dream of becoming a University Professor and help raise the funds to get his tuition paid. All that is holding him back at this point is $5600, the hold on his university student account, and an additional $2000 (approx) for continuing a final term to defend his thesis. Once these fees are paid, he can defend his thesis almost immediately, he will receive his research assistant position, and he will be able to begin perusing his dreams of being a university professor in political studies. He wants to do a PhD while working – hopefully at the university as a research assistant or instructor.
This is a young man that has an incredible thirst for life, knowledge and faith – please help us raise the money for his tuition.
We want to raise these funds for Segun by January 30, 2017 – one month!! Yes one month!
Every donation – whether it be 5.00, 10.00 or more – will put Segun one step closer to finishing his studies.
Everything is possible with God – said Segun. The world needs young adults like this – please give as generously as you can to help so he can share his positivity with the rest of the world – with the future students of political studies.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for donating.
One of Segun's articles that has been published in the Journal for Deradicalization
The Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: What could have been the precursors?
(Kristy aka "mum" on the left, Segun in the middle, and Allyson aka "Auntie Allyson" on the right).