Posted on September 26, 2025
Emmanuel Ugo, a father of two, made his living as a roadside hawker, selling gala, soft drinks, and bottled water. His wife supported the family by selling whatever was left over from the previous day at home. But as the economy grew tougher, the family’s struggles deepened. Eventually, things became so difficult that their two children had to drop out of school.
In 2015, a man named Brother Innocent told Mr. Ugo about the InnerCity Mission Nursery and Primary School. He explained that the school was completely free children received free uniforms, free stationery, all the supplies they needed, and even free breakfast and lunch every day, along with transportation to and from school.
At first, Emmanuel could hardly believe it. With doubt in his heart, he told his wife about the “100% free” school, wondering aloud if such a thing was truly possible in the Nigerian economy.
Still unsure, Mrs. Ugo reached out to Brother Innocent, who had first told her husband about the school, and made further enquiries. With courage, she decided to take a leap of faith and enrolled her children in the InnerCity Mission School.
To her amazement, everything they had been told was true the children received free uniforms, school supplies, daily meals, and even transportation to and from school. For the first time in a long while, hope began to shine again in the Ugo household.
Inspired by this fresh opportunity for his children, Mr. Ugo resolved to improve himself as well. He learned new skills in car upholstery and graduated, eventually starting a small business that allowed him to support his family in his own way.
During this time, Mrs. Ugo was expecting their third child. Sadly, she did not survive the delivery process, leaving behind her husband and children. Her passing was a heavy blow to the family, but the foundation of hope she had laid by enrolling her children in school continued to sustain them.
After their mother’s passing in 2017, Victoria feared she would have to drop out of school. But, to her surprise, the opposite happened. She was able to continue her education thanks to the unwavering support of the partners of the InnerCity Mission.
Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, when she once again thought her education might come to an end, the teachers from the InnerCity Mission went the extra mile. They came directly to her learning center to ensure she and other children continued their studies without interruption.
Victoria not only stayed in school she excelled. She wrote her Common Entrance Examination and passed with flying colors. She graduated as the Head Girl of the InnerCity Mission Nursery and Primary School, a shining example of resilience and hope. Her story did not end there Victoria was awarded a scholarship to continue her education at the next level, a dream that once seemed impossible for her family.
Today, the InnerCity Mission is enrolling even more children this new academic session through our growing network of 14 free schools and still counting!
You too can be part of this transformation:
- Sponsor a full scholarship for a child
- Sponsor daily meals
- Support educators impacting lives with faith-based learning
Click here to watch The Ugo Family Story
Donate Online