Saints on the Hill: Finding His Path to Creating Change
Having been greatly inspired by his father’s selflessness over the years, Abdul ’25 sought to likewise inspire his classmates during a recent Saints on the Hill presentation in Maguire Auditorium.
Abdul shared how he was surrounded by contrasts growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, one of the most vibrant cities in Africa. “It is a city full of energy and culture, yet one also marked by stark inequalities,” he said. “From a young age, I questioned everything. Why was there no constant power? Why were so many kids my age begging on the streets instead of being in school? Why was there so much poverty in a country celebrated as the ‘Giant of Africa’? These questions stayed with me and shaped how I saw the world.”
Abdul’s first example of someone trying to make a difference was his father, who left a high-paying job in the United States to return to Nigeria and start a business providing reliable power to the nation. “It was a noble mission, but it was not easy,” Abdul recalled. “He faced relentless opposition from powerful individuals who prioritized their interests over the common good. The challenges he endured seeped into our home, creating tension and hardship.”
It also created a growing resolve in Abdul. “Through it all, my father remained my hero,” he said. “His courage taught me what it means to persevere; to stand firm in your convictions even when the odds are stacked against you. That struggle became part of my identity and shaped my determination to create change in my way.”
He achieved that through the United for Kids Foundation, whose mission is to ensure every child has access to quality education. There, Abdul worked with children from underprivileged communities who became “like siblings” to him. “I helped them with homework, played soccer with them, and was someone they could rely on and trust,” he recalled. “It was not just about teaching them how to read or write—it was about instilling in them the importance of standing for truth and justice, even in the face of challenges. The day I had to leave for school, tears were shed—mine included! Their resilience and hope inspired me.”
Abdul has carried that same spirit of caring and connection with him to Canterbury, whether by supporting a friend during a tough time, listening when people need to talk, or simply cheering someone on. “I have always loved seeing my community improve—in Lagos, at Canterbury, or wherever I find myself,” he told his peers. “The real reward is not in recognition or accolades; it is in the smiles, the laughter, and the bonds we create along the way. Helping others reminds me that we are all connected, and together, we can build something truly special.”