My name is Emmanuel Osakwe Udoka.

I am an international student from Nigeria studying Health Management at Seneca Polytechnic in Canada. I began this journey in Fall 2022 with one goal in mind: to build a better future for myself and for my family.

I was originally supposed to graduate in April 2026. However, due to significant financial challenges, I had to take a leave of absence for one semester so I could work and save money toward my tuition. That difficult decision delayed my graduation, and I am now expected to complete my program in April 2027.

This journey has not been easy.

As an international student in Canada, I am limited to working 24 hours per week during academic terms. The only time I can work full-time is during the summer/winter break, and even then, minimum wage work barely covers one semester’s tuition. Every dollar I earn goes directly toward paying outstanding balances from previous semesters — not toward future ones.

Currently, I owe approximately $11,664 CAD for this winter semester, and an additional $9,000

CAD~ each for my remaining two semesters, bringing my total remaining tuition to over $20,000 CAD.

If I am unable to make payments by the summer, my account will be sent to the Canada Collections agency again. This has already happened twice in the past two years. If it happens a third time and I cannot clear the balance, I will not be allowed to return for Fall 2026 — which is when I am scheduled to complete my co-op placement. Without completing my co-op, I cannot graduate.

Also, my study permit is expiring on October 2026, which means that I will have apply for a study permit extension to continue studying in Canada. That too requires proof of funds to continue studying in Canada.

I am so close to the finish line — just two semesters left.

Back home in Nigeria, my mother has sacrificed everything to support me. My mother took out a loan of millions of naira to help pay my Fall 2025 tuition. She is still repaying that loan. My younger sister is also in university, and my mother is supporting her as well.

I have no support from home not because they don’t want to but because they can’t.

We do not come from wealth. Everything has been built through sacrifice.

I am not asking for luxury. I am asking for a chance to finish what I started.

Alongside school, I work two part-time jobs and recently started a small cooking side business to help generate extra income. I am doing everything I can. But despite my effort, the financial gap is overwhelming.

Any contribution — even $5 — brings me closer to completing my education, finishing my co-op, and graduating. Your support will not just help me pay tuition; it will help me secure my future and relieve the enormous pressure on my family.

I have come too far to give up now.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for believing in students who are trying their best despite difficult circumstances. And thank you, in advance, for any support you can offer.

With gratitude,

Emmanuel Osakwe Udoka