Help Pelumi Finish University

Hi, my name is Pelumi Ajao. I need your help and I will like you to give me a minute of your time to tell you my story. I finished secondary school in Nigeria in 2013; my parents wanted me to study medicine in Canada. Although they wanted a good life for me, I was quite indifferent about moving abroad for my post-secondary education.


In 2014, my parents’ hopes for me came to life as I was admitted to the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to study Biology. I started university undecided about my major. As I settled into university, I discovered a love for Biology and I became motivated to excel at my studies.

My parents’ dream became mine and although I was not sure I wanted to study medicine, I discovered a love for Biology and performed excellently in my academics. In the three years of studying at UPEI, I was named on the Dean’s Honours list every consecutive academic year.

            A picture taken during a Dean's Honours award in 2015

 

My smooth journey as a student became rocky when an economic recession swept through Nigeria, late 2015. My father, the sole provider of my family, was severely impacted. His construction company was greatly affected and as a family, we struggled. Therefore, he was unable to support me financially.

Due to the leniency of the university, I was allowed to continue my education until last year. My debt rose to approximately $20, 000 and I was asked to withdraw from my classes. Therefore, I have been out of school for about a year.

To go back to school and finish the last year of my undergraduate degree, I need to pay at least half of that which I owe, which is $10,000.


This is where I need your help.


My study permit expires in two months on the 30th of June 2018. As an international student, my study permit makes me eligible to reside in Canada and continue my education. If I can’t make a payment to my university by the end of May, my school won’t provide a letter for my study permit application. And if my study permit doesn’t get renewed, I risk getting sent back home without a degree and four years with nothing to show for it.


Why I waited this long? Prior to 2015, I was heavily dependent on my parents for 17 years of life, so it took a lot of adjusting to finally accept that I would have to support myself. Since 2015, I have had to provide for my own needs.

Being an international student, I’m only allowed to work 20 hours a week, and a chunk of the money goes to my house rent and my upkeep. So, it’s been almost impossible to settle my tuition debts by myself. This past year, discouragement and shame has kept me from speaking up about this matter until now. Few friends came together and spoke about what we could do about this situation. They have encouraged me to start this page and have made me understand that a lot of good can be realized from this endeavour.


I hope you see this and consider donating. Whatever you give brings me one step closer to going back to school.

 
Help me finish strong

Pelumi.

                                                    My friends and I.