How Ubong Essien’s School of Eloquence Turns Personal Struggle into West Africa’s Premier Public Speaking Platform
In 2006, a personal battle with fear and self-doubt quietly gave rise to what would become West Africa’s foremost training ground for confident communication—the School of Eloquence. For Ubong Essien, Nigeria’s first Certified Speaking Professional, the journey wasn’t about fame or fortune. It was about finding his voice—and helping others do the same.
“I didn’t set out to build a school,” Essien shared during an emotional interview on Channels TV. “I simply wanted to conquer my own fear of speaking in public. But as I found my voice, I realized I had a duty to help others find theirs.”
That singular mission—deeply human, deeply personal—has evolved into a movement. Today, the School of Eloquence stands as a beacon of empowerment for thousands across Nigeria and West Africa. From corporate boardrooms to community halls, alumni of the School are reshaping conversations, driving social change, and leading with clarity and confidence.
A Platform Built on Personal Pain
Essien’s story resonates because it reflects a shared human experience: the fear of being unheard, of fumbling words, of shrinking in the spotlight. But where many surrender to that fear, he chose to confront it—and build something transformative out of it.
“In those early days, I felt alone,” he recounted. “There were no formal platforms to teach people how to speak persuasively, how to command attention without aggression, how to lead with words. I had to create that space.”
That space—first a one-man initiative, now a thriving institution—has become a lifeline for those who’ve long felt invisible or underestimated. Young professionals struggling in job interviews. Entrepreneurs unable to pitch their ideas. Women in male-dominated spaces yearning to be heard. Politicians eager to win trust. The School of Eloquence has welcomed them all.
The Power of Words to Change Lives
The impact isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. “I’ve seen people walk into our classrooms timid and unsure,” Essien reflected. “By the end of the program, they walk out transformed—not just better speakers, but stronger individuals.”
That transformation is what drives him. Not just eloquence for eloquence’s sake, but eloquence as a force for leadership, for justice, for growth.
“The ability to express oneself clearly is a form of power,” Essien said. “And everyone—regardless of background or education—deserves access to that power.”
Raising the Bar, One Voice at a Time
Now approaching two decades since its founding, the School of Eloquence continues to evolve. It’s no longer just about public speaking—it’s about nation-building. Through masterclasses, leadership series, and now televised segments, the School is shaping a new generation of Nigerian and African leaders—bold, articulate, and ready to make a difference.
“Thank you, Channels TV, for letting me share this story,” Essien said in closing. “My hope is that more people will realize their voice matters—and they don’t need to wait for permission to use it.”
As he prepares for more episodes and wider outreach, Essien’s message remains unchanged: The power of words is the power to transform. Find your voice. Use it well.
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