Teenager’s Viral Hustle for Tiling Tools Leads to Scholarships and Over ₦8 Million in Donations

A 19-year-old Nigerian, Samuel Adeniyi, has seen his fortunes transform after a viral video detailing his effort to raise money for tiling equipment by selling plastic waste and cartons led to an outpouring of public support, including full educational scholarships and donations exceeding ₦8 million.

Samuel’s story was shared by content creator Bayuztv on Tuesday. In the video, Samuel explained that a friend introduced him to waste collection to fund the purchase of essential tools for his tiling trade, which he learned at age 17.

“I need money to buy my work tool… I make ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 from a sack that I bring here,” he said, listing a cutting machine, mallet, and knife as his primary needs.

Moved by his determination, Bayuztv immediately provided Samuel with a haircut, new clothing, and a meal. The creator also purchased the tiling machine for him, gave him a new phone, and presented him with ₦50,000 for other expenses.

The story deepened when Bayuztv visited Samuel’s mother. She shared the family’s struggles, revealing her husband’s absence and her hope to revive her failed palm oil business with about ₦300,000.

In a follow-up visit on Thursday, Bayuztv presented Samuel’s mother with ₦1 million in cash and took her shopping for approximately ₦700,000 worth of foodstuffs. The creator then announced the broader outcome of the viral appeal: Samuel had received scholarship commitments covering his education from secondary school through university, alongside total cash gifts surpassing ₦8 million from compassionate Nigerians.

Overwhelmed with joy, Samuel and his mother fell to the floor in gratitude, thanking the public for their transformative support.