Nigerian activist and social critic, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has raised a staggering ₦21,620,780 just 24 hours after launching his new non-governmental organisation (NGO). This announcement has sparked widespread attention across the country, as the funds are aimed at tackling the longstanding problems plaguing Nigeria’s public education system.
In a video shared widely on social media, the outspoken activist expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he received in such a short time. He stated that the success of the fundraiser was proof that Nigerians are eager for change, especially in the public education sector.
VeryDarkMan’s newly founded NGO is focused on addressing the numerous challenges in public schools. He has promised to overhaul the education system by introducing modern teaching methods, improving resources, and bringing in innovative solutions.
He highlighted the declining state of public education, where students struggle with outdated systems, unmotivated teachers, and a lack of essential learning tools. According to him, young and passionate educators are needed to inspire students, and his NGO will strive to bring these much-needed changes.
“The educational sector, especially in public schools, is failing,” VeryDarkMan said. “There’s nothing exciting about it anymore. We need to bring in young teachers who students can look up to, and we need to introduce modern teaching methods. Education should advance with the times.”
His vision includes incorporating technology into classrooms, such as projectors and interactive tools, to enhance learning experiences. VeryDarkMan stressed the importance of transforming how education is delivered in Nigeria, ensuring that it keeps up with global trends.
In his video statement, VeryDarkMan revealed that the majority of the funds raised came from small donations. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the contributions, no matter how small, saying that every little bit counted toward the success of his initiative.
“First of all, shout out to everyone who sent money,” he said. “I saw love and support from amounts like ₦72, ₦100, ₦22, ₦500. Most of the money was from small donations—₦500, ₦300, ₦200. Even people who didn’t have much still wanted to support.”
Though there were larger donations, including ₦2 million and ₦1 million, VeryDarkMan emphasised that it was the smaller contributions that made the biggest difference. He recounted how one person even donated ₦100 with a note that read, “I love you because you’re crazy,” which he saw as a true expression of support.
VeryDarkMan is not just focused on education reform—he also wants to change how NGOs operate in Nigeria. He has openly criticised many existing NGOs for misusing public donations for personal gain.
He promised that his NGO would be different, setting a new standard for transparency. He pledged to make all expenditures public and to ensure that every naira donated would be accounted for. His goal is to create a culture of accountability in the NGO space, forcing others to follow suit.
“These contributions have opened my eyes to how many NGOs are scamming people in this country,” he said. “Many of them are not using the money they receive for the right purposes. But with my NGO, I’ll make sure to expose them by being fully transparent. If I spend ₦10, I’ll let the public know.”
This promise of openness and transparency has resonated with many Nigerians, who have long complained about the misuse of public funds in various sectors. VeryDarkMan’s approach is seen as a refreshing change in a space that has often been tainted by corruption and inefficiency.
Aside from modernising classroom teaching, VeryDarkMan also emphasized the importance of vocational training in Nigerian schools. He believes that not every student needs to follow a traditional academic path, and that practical skills should be introduced at an early stage to help students explore future career opportunities.
“We should introduce vocational training early so that students can start thinking about their future careers from primary school,” he said. “Not everyone needs to follow the traditional academic route. We need to bring back cultural events and other activities that make education fun.”
VeryDarkMan’s vision aligns with the growing belief that education in Nigeria needs to be more practical and aligned with the realities of the modern world. Many Nigerians agree that introducing vocational skills into the curriculum could help tackle youth unemployment and prepare students for various career paths.
The overwhelming support for VeryDarkMan’s NGO reflects the deep frustration many Nigerians feel about the state of public education. For years, public schools in Nigeria have faced numerous challenges, from poorly maintained facilities to underpaid and demotivated teachers.
The fact that so many Nigerians responded to VeryDarkMan’s call for donations, despite the harsh economic conditions, shows that the desire for change is widespread.
In recent years, the education sector in Nigeria has faced criticism for failing to provide quality learning, particularly in public schools. While private schools offer better facilities and teaching standards, they remain out of reach for most Nigerians due to high fees. Public schools, on the other hand, are seen as underfunded and lacking in modern resources, leaving many students at a disadvantage.
VeryDarkMan’s campaign is a call to address these disparities. His NGO promises to push for reforms that will improve the overall quality of public education, making it accessible and impactful for students from all backgrounds.
With ₦21.6 million already raised in the first 24 hours, VeryDarkMan’s NGO is off to a strong start. He has promised to remain transparent about how the funds will be used, and many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the initiative unfolds.
