A story that began as online mockery of a graduating student from Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, transformed into an inspiring tale of support, ultimately raising over N14 million for the student involved.
Madumere Felix Nwachikerendu, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @Felix_the_SUG and nicknamed “the Peanut Seller,” became the subject of ridicule on August 31, 2026. Photos of Felix, taken during his final-year project defence, were shared on social media by X user @vector_olal with the caption, “I just did my final year project defense.
The images quickly went viral, attracting millions of views. Some users mocked Felix’s appearance, his clothing, and the fact that he was graduating later than expected.
However, the conversation shifted dramatically after another X user, Mercy Ninian, stepped in to share Felix’s backstory. According to Ninian, Felix had faced severe financial hardship while studying History at AE-FUNAI.
To support himself and continue his studies, he took on various menial jobs: fetching water, washing clothes for fellow students, hawking peanuts and other items, and sometimes sleeping in classrooms.
Ninian explained that Felix was unable to pay his school fees when first admitted, which led to academic struggles and eventual withdrawal from the university for failing to meet the required CGPA. Undeterred, Felix retook the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams and returned to the university to pursue his degree.
Ninian’s post resonated widely, prompting others who knew Felix to share their own stories—including a former roommate who revealed he had housed Felix for months during his first year.
Felix himself responded to the viral post, clarifying that his delayed graduation was not due to laziness or a lack of ambition. He explained that he was originally meant to graduate with his peers in 2023 but had to overcome significant setbacks along the way. Despite these challenges, Felix persevered and refused to give up on his education.
What began as derision ultimately became a powerful display of empathy and national support, as Nigerians rallied to raise millions of naira for Felix, recognizing his determination and resilience.
Felix wrote, “You may laugh at the picture, but you don’t know the story behind it. I didn’t fail to graduate with my peers in the History Department in 2023 because I was lazy or unserious. You chose to mock me, but you’re laughing at someone who fell behind and still refused to give up.”
As Felix’s story spread, he confirmed his identity and joined the growing movement to rally support on his behalf. The campaign received a major boost when popular X user Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known as Sir Dickson Wizarab, responded to Ninian’s account of Felix’s struggles and called on Nigerians to lend their support.
Wizarab described Felix as someone deserving of help and revealed that he had personally donated N100,000 to the cause. He wrote, Thank you, Mercy. This is someone we can support. I’d like us to help him going forward. Today might just be his lucky day. Here’s his account number—I’ve sent my own contribution. Let’s raise the amount.
The appeal sparked a rapid outpouring of donations from Nigerians on X. Within hours, Ninian shared an update showing that Felix had received more than N4 million, leading to even more calls for support. Responding to the milestone, Wizarab wrote, “He has gotten over N4 million. Keep raising it for him.
The donations continued to grow rapidly as the story gained traction on social media. Updates soon revealed that contributions had surpassed N5 million, then N10 million. By Thursday, Wizarab announced that the total had reached N14 million.
He shared, “I just want to thank everyone for your kindness and trust. What started as mockery has become a miracle. Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we raised N14 million for him. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Wizarab also mentioned that @Skolex5 would help Felix with financial investments to ensure his newfound funds were well managed. In response, Felix expressed his gratitude to Wizarab and to everyone who contributed, promising to record a video to formally thank them.
Thank you so much, sir. I’ll still make a proper video and give a proper thank you,” he wrote.
Screenshot of Felix’s account balance at 14m
Felix has urged the public to refrain from spreading false information about him amid the widespread attention his story has received. He firmly denied rumors that he was attacked or injured, clarifying, “This is fake I wasn’t attacked, and nobody came to my house.
Please don’t use my situation to chase clout. I wouldn’t want to misinform the public or well-meaning Nigerians. I’m safe, and nobody attacked me.
Reflecting on his journey, Felix attributed the positive turn in his life to his faith and the promise he made to his late mother.
He shared that on the day of his graduation sign-out, he designed a poster as a tribute to her, honoring his commitment never to disappoint her, engage in illegal activities, or bring disgrace to her memory.
I made this poster as a tribute to my mother, whom I promised never to fail, never to do illegal things, and never to bring disgrace to,” Felix said.
Felix also expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying it brought him closer to God and strengthened his resolve to keep his promises.
He encouraged others to remain upright and compassionate, assuring them that good deeds will eventually be rewarded.
If you’re reading this, just stay clean and never go against God’s will. Be good to people. Even if you don’t see results now, you’ll surely see them later,” he advised.
Addressing comparisons made online between his story and that of another individual who has received public attention, Felix emphasized that he is not in competition with anyone. “Stop the comparison. I’m not competing with anyone. I don’t know him, but from what I see, he’s a great man,” Felix stated.
I’m here because God wants me to be here, not to compete over who is more successful or more deserving.”
Felix’s story has evolved from being the subject of ridicule over his appearance and delayed graduation to one of perseverance and public support.
Once struggling to stay in school by hawking peanuts, washing clothes, fetching water, and reportedly sleeping in classrooms, Felix has now received N14 million in donations after the circumstances of his journey became widely known.
