Society
From N20k Jobs To Poland Varsity, How Funmike Empowerment Foundation Transformed Nigerian Lady’s Life
took up a low-paying job, earning between N10,000 and N20,000 monthly
From earning between N10,000 and N20,000 a month to studying at a university in Poland, the life of Shittu-Are Atinuke has taken a dramatic turn, a transformation the Funmike Empowerment Foundation says reflects deliberate intervention and hard work.
Atinuke, popularly known as Tinuke, grew up in a family that placed strong value on education but was burdened by financial hardship. She is the youngest of her mother’s children and the fourth of her late father’s eight.
Despite her intelligence, discipline and academic promise, her journey stalled after she completed secondary school in 2018 because her family could not afford to support her further education.
While her classmates moved on to universities, Tinuke stayed back at home, her ambitions quietly constrained by circumstance.
To survive and contribute to her household, she took up a low-paying job, earning between N10,000 and N20,000 monthly — just enough to meet basic needs, with nothing left to save towards school fees.
Narrating her story, Oluwafunmike Esther Salami, founder and executive director of the Funmike Empowerment Foundation, said Tinuke’s experience was a reflection of many bright young Nigerians whose dreams are delayed by poverty.
“Shittu-Are Atinuke, known as Tinuke, grew up in a family that valued education but struggled under the weight of financial limitations,”
Salami said, giving further insight with “by the time she completed secondary school in 2018, she had everything a bright young Nigerian student needed to succeed — grades, discipline and dreams — but she lacked one crucial element: the financial resources to continue her education.”
Salami said the turning point came in 2022 when the foundation discovered Tinuke’s story and decided to intervene.
“Everything changed in 2022, the year the Funmike Empowerment Foundation discovered her story,” she said, explaining that the organisation chose to take full ownership of Tinuke’s journey rather than offer temporary relief.
The foundation enrolled her in a UI/UX Design programme at the Learn to Earn Institute, despite her limited exposure to digital design at the time. Over seven months, the foundation monitored her progress, ensured she had learning resources and encouraged her through moments of doubt, helping her grow into a confident designer.
Following this, the foundation supported Tinuke in gaining admission into Lagos State University (LASU) to study Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management, providing guidance through the application process as well as academic and emotional support.
Her journey later took an international turn when, during her second semester at 200 level, LASU sought a departmental representative for a student exchange programme.
Tinuke was nominated and, with the foundation’s support, prepared for the academic, administrative and financial requirements.
The foundation also supported her through documentation, embassy processes and preparations for her first trip abroad. Her eventual selection to represent her department marked a major milestone in her journey.
Today, Tinuke is studying at WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland, representing LASU, the Funmike Empowerment Foundation and Nigeria. She is studying Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management, gaining global exposure and professional skills.
According to Salami, Tinuke’s success underscores the impact of sustained empowerment. “Today, Tinuke studies at WSB University in Poland, representing LASU, the Funmike Empowerment Foundation and Nigeria with pride,” she said, describing the achievement as a reflection of the foundation’s mission to identify potential and nurture it into lasting transformation.
