A 500-level student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has become a trending topic on social media after his inspiring story of resilience and hard work went viral. The young man, who is studying Statistics, has been supporting himself financially by riding an Okada (commercial motorcycle) to pay his school fees and cover other academic expenses.
Despite the challenges of combining academics with a demanding job, the determined student remains focused on his education, determined to complete his degree and build a successful future.
His story came to light after he unknowingly encountered Kopa Respect, a well-known Nigerian content creator famous for his humorous skits and social experiments related to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The student had given Kopa Respect a ride on his Okada, unaware that he was about to be part of a viral moment.
During the ride, Kopa Respect attempted to prank the student by pretending that he had no money to pay for the transport service. However, the FUTA student, unaware that he was being pranked, insisted that he needed to be paid, explaining that he relied on his daily earnings to sustain himself.
This interaction led to a heartfelt conversation, during which the student revealed his struggles. He shared that he had no external financial support and had to rely solely on his Okada business to fund his education, pay rent, and cater to his daily needs. He further explained that his dream was to graduate with a degree in Statistics and create a better future for himself despite the many obstacles he faced.
Touched by the student’s perseverance and dedication, Kopa Respect decided to turn the prank into an act of kindness. Instead of going through with the joke, he offered the student financial support, acknowledging his hard work and resilience.
Moved by the encounter, Kopa Respect took to his social media page to share the story, encouraging others to recognize the struggles that many students face while trying to obtain an education in Nigeria. He wrote;
“It’s easy to judge people as selfish just because they refuse to part with their money, no matter how little. But behind every decision, there’s a story. Here is a fighter—a young man navigating an uncertain system, striving to put himself through school by riding a commercial bike. His struggle isn’t about greed; it’s about survival and determination.
“Dear Nigerian Government, working hard to earn an education is one thing; facing the uncertainty of life after graduation is another. When a system offers no clear path, what becomes of those who sacrificed everything for a degree? Here is a fighter—riding a commercial bike just to put himself through school, determined to secure a better future. But beyond the classroom lies an even bigger challenge: what does the system have in store for him after graduation?”
The post quickly gained traction, sparking discussions on social media about the struggles of self-sponsored students in Nigeria and the need for better support systems for young people pursuing education against all odds.
See below;
@kopa.respect [/p]
Touching story of a 500-level FUTA student that rides a bike to sponsor himself through school.
♬ original sound – kopa.respect