“It came from a place of finding purpose, not being comfortable with where I was, the feeling of emptiness; then I noticed I found joy in volunteering, in bringing smiles to the faces of people.”
These were the words of Emmanuel Oladipo, a 400-level Mass Communication student, reflecting on his journey into volunteering. What began as a search for purpose quickly turned into a path of joy, growth and meaningful impact. He discovered something unexpected: he found joy in volunteering, in bringing smiles to faces that needed hope.
Volunteering is often misunderstood among students. Some see it as time-consuming, stressful, or only for people with “everything figured out.” Others think it is merely a way to add to a resumé. Yet, the experiences of Emmanuel, Peace, Mariam, and Zainab show that volunteering is much more than that. It is a journey that transforms the volunteer and empowers the communities they serve. It teaches empathy, responsibility, leadership and the joy of impacting lives.
EMMANUEL OLADIPO – Mass Communication, 400 Level
“Seeing people happy, bringing smiles and hope to people in need, impacting children and communities.”
Emmanuel’s volunteering journey began with the Sheltered Hope Initiative and now, Lighted Pearl Africa Foundation – an organization supporting children in underserved communities. He contributes through mentorship, educational support, and media advocacy.
In his own words: “Seeing people happy, bringing smiles and hope to people in need, impacting children and communities, those moments kept me grounded in what I do.”
He reflected on the personal growth volunteering gave him: “I have the sense of fulfilment. It has helped in management, communication, and leadership skills, and it taught me not to live just for myself. Volunteering shaped my mindset to impact the people around me.”
PEACE CHENUBE – Mass Communication, Outgoing Student
“I’ve stopped thinking of myself alone. Volunteering made me more people-centered.”
Peace began volunteering initially to gain work experience, particularly in writing. He started with Zedline Magazine, but his focus shifted to social impact. Today, he raises awareness about neurodiversity in Nigeria.
He said: “Connecting with neuro-divergent Nigerians made it real to me. I’ve stopped thinking of myself alone. Volunteering has helped me become more people-centered than individual-centered.”
Peace also highlighted a common misconception: “Many students think they will automatically get the skills they want from volunteering. But it’s more important to focus on the organization’s goals. Volunteering is about contributing, not just gaining.”
MARIAM ODUSOLA – Law, 500 Level
“When I do things for people, I feel more fulfilled and I desire to do more and solve problems.”
Mariam began volunteering in 2020, participating in school outreaches, Valentine’s Day projects, and International Girl Child Day initiatives. She’s the founder of an NGO called Eco Sisters Initiative and works with the Ministry of Youths and Social Development, focusing on youth empowerment, climate advocacy, and educational outreach.
Her most impactful experience: “Getting to meet children who knew nothing about sex education in remote villages and turning them into people that understand it, impacting more than 400 teenagers, was unforgettable.”
Mariam reflected on how volunteering shaped her personal goals: “I’ve been able to start my own NGO and aim for a social enterprise. Volunteering gives me fulfillment and shows me how I can solve problems and impact society.”
She said: “Volunteering is more than adding it to your CV. You need to love it. Be immersed in it.”
She also advised Akokites not to chase gratification but be someone that desires to create change and help communities.
BELLO ZAINAB – System Engineering, 400 Level
“Watching adults light up with genuine joy just because of a box of food items was deeply touching.”
Zainab described volunteering as a journey of responsibility and growth. She started with tutoring students preparing for national examinations for free and later joined Lagos Food Bank where she assists with food distribution and community outreach. She’s also the founder of the Quality Education for All Initiative (QEFAI).
She shared how her biggest challenge at the beginning was fear — fear of not being perfect, fear of unfamiliar environments. But through her work with Lagos Food Bank and her own initiative, QEFAI, she learned that impact is not about perfection; it is about presence. Her most memorable moment came during an outreach where children lit up with joy over a simple box of food. It reminded her how powerful seemingly small acts can be.
My volunteering has impacted communities by providing support, resources, knowledge and encouragement to people who need it. From helping students gain confidence academically to being part of feeding and empowerment programs, my efforts no matter how small contribute to bridging gaps and building an hopeful communities.
Speaking on the level of impact she has made, she said, “My volunteering has impacted communities by providing support, resources, knowledge and encouragement to people who need it. From helping students gain confidence academically to being part of feeding and empowerment programs, my efforts no matter how small contribute to bridging gaps and building an hopeful communities.”
She added that volunteering has shaped her into a more compassionate, confident, and purpose-driven person.
Different levels, different departments, different causes but a single truth unites these students: volunteering transforms both the volunteer and the community. Through joy, growth, empathy, and service; Emmanuel, Peace, Mariam and Zainab demonstrate that volunteering is not just giving time; it is discovering purpose, impacting lives, and growing into better human beings.
The impact of volunteering on both individuals and the society at large are far reaching. Volunteering helps individuals develop a sense of purpose, empathy and fulfilment. It also helps them develop and learn in practical ways, important interpersonal skills like communication, leadership, teamwork and problem solving. With these skills and experiences, volunteers amplify their chances of working with large firms in the labour market.
On the part of the society, the impact of volunteering cannot be over emphasized. It fosters unity and collaboration amongst different groups. Which in turn leads to stronger communities.
Volunteering groups and their services to the society can also help to augment the deficiencies of public service offices like healthcare, sanitation, education, youth empowerment and many others. Underdeveloped and uncivilized areas can easily be reached by volunteer groups more than public services can access them.
Volunteering is one of the most effective ways that we, as citizens and youths can effect changes in our nation. As the saying goes, “change begins with you and me”, it is important that youths dedicate their time, energy, and skills to volunteering and these acts of services would in turn, make for a better nation when compounded.
Ultimately, we live in a society where deficiencies and inadequacies are many but there are only few people who are willing to be an active part of the change.
Volunteering is one of the ways to be a part of the catalysts for change as it does not only solve societal problems but also equips the volunteer with skills necessary for thriving in life– empathy, and growth. Every act of service, no matter how small it may seem, counts.
As International Volunteers Day is celebrated, their experiences remind us: service is the ultimate classroom and every act of giving, no matter how small, sparks change.
Take the step today and be a part of a nation building movement.
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