In the dimly lit room of his hostel at the University of Abuja, Segun Adegbola—fondly known as ELS—sat surrounded by worn textbooks and crumpled notes. His phone buzzed with yet another message from a fellow student:
“Segun, please explain that concept again. I’m still lost.”
Segun’s journey to becoming a changemaker began with moments like this. The desire to help others navigate academic struggles was deeply personal—rooted in the challenges he faced as a student. This passion blossomed into VerbalTech, an NGO that is transforming the educational journey for students, especially at his alma mater, the University of Abuja.
“It was a dream I just couldn’t ignore,” Segun shared in an emotional voice. “In my second year studying English, I watched too many peers drop out or underperform due to a lack of direction or resources. I thought, What if we create a support system led by students for students?” That marked the beginning of VerbalTech.
Starting small, Segun gathered a group of top-performing students across various departments. They met under trees or borrowed classrooms, providing free tutoring sessions in subjects ranging from calculus to literature analysis.
“It wasn’t glamorous,” Segun chuckled. “Sometimes, we taught under the scorching sun, but seeing someone’s face light up after understanding a concept made it worth it.”
Soon, this grassroots effort evolved into a full-fledged movement. VerbalTech expanded to high schools, offering extra lessons to prepare students for pivotal exams like WAEC and JAMB. The organisation became synonymous with identifying gaps in the educational system and filling them with innovative solutions.
Beyond Academics
Unlike many programmes, VerbalTech’s impact extends beyond academics. The NGO also provides financial assistance to students in need.
“I remember Musa,” Segun said, his face softening. “He was brilliant but couldn’t afford textbooks. We pooled resources to buy what he needed. Today, he’s studying engineering on a scholarship.”
VerbalTech’s innovation didn’t stop there. The organisation introduced online classes during school breaks, making learning accessible to anyone with a phone.
“It’s like Netflix for education,” Segun quipped. “We made sure our lessons were engaging and easy to access.”
VerbalTech also organises spelling bees, essay contests, and quizzes, pushing students to step out of their comfort zones.
“Competitions aren’t just fun—they help students discover what they’re capable of,” Segun said.
The impact of these events is evident in stories like that of Chiamaka, a microbiology student at the University of Abuja.
“I joined VerbalTech in my second year,” she shared. “I was shy and struggled with biochemistry. Winning their quiz competition boosted my confidence. Now, I mentor younger students in the programme.”
VerbalTech’s influence can be seen in countless success stories. Aisha, a secondary-school student, once hated math but now dreams of becoming an accountant.
“Before VerbalTech, I couldn’t stand math,” Aisha admitted. “But their tutors made it simple. Now, I’m the top of my class!”
Her mother added, “We couldn’t afford extra lessons, so this programme was a blessing. I thank God for people like Segun.”
For university students like John, VerbalTech has been a lifeline.
“I almost dropped out because of financial challenges,” John said, his voice cracking. “VerbalTech paid my tuition and gave me hope. Now, I’m working hard so I can give back someday.”
Running an NGO isn’t without obstacles. Funding remains a constant challenge, with Segun and his team often making personal contributions.
“We’re not backed by any large corporations,” Segun explained. “Every naira comes from people who believe in what we’re doing. It’s tough, but we make it work.”
Despite these hurdles, VerbalTech thrives on the dedication of its founder and volunteers.
“When Segun asked me to join, I was sceptical,” said Ahmed, a law student and tutor. “But after my first session, I saw the impact we were making. Now, I can’t imagine not being part of this.”
Looking ahead, Segun envisions VerbalTech scaling even further.
“We’re planning a scholarship fund and hope to partner with tech companies to provide digital resources,” he shared, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “I want VerbalTech to be a movement—a community where every Nigerian student knows they can achieve greatness, no matter where they come from.”
From its humble beginnings in a hostel room, VerbalTech has grown into a beacon of hope for countless students. It stands as proof of what can be achieved when one person dares to dream and inspires others to join that dream.
“Education is the key,” Segun said. “At VerbalTech, we’re handing out keys every day.”
For students like Chiamaka, Aisha, and John, these keys have unlocked doors to brighter futures, proving that with the right support, excellence is always within reach
Segun Adegbola, known as ELS, initiated VerbalTech at the University of Abuja to tackle academic challenges he faced during his studies. This student-led NGO offers tutoring sessions, financial assistance, and online classes, making education accessible and engaging. VerbalTech's activities, including competitions and preparatory exams, effectively address educational gaps and extend beyond classrooms by providing financial help to underprivileged students. Despite funding obstacles, Segun's vision persists, aiming to establish a scholarship fund and partner with tech companies. VerbalTech exemplifies the impact of one individual's dedication in transforming education and empowering students.
