Ms Maryam Umar, a limb difference student, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Gombe State University.
Umar, who successfully completed her Level 400 coursework, examinations, and project, achieved this feat after overcoming educational and financial challenges.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Gombe, Umar said that the intervention by the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) made her journey to attain university education a reality.
Umar recounted that she started primary education at the age of 11 at Hammadaji Primary School in Gombe metropolis, adding that she could not immediately proceed to secondary school due to challenges.
The foot-writer student later attended Government Day Secondary School, Nasarawa, Gombe, where she obtained a senior school certificate.
A lot of people didn’t think I could go to college because of my physical disabilities and not having enough money. But I didn’t give up. I passed both the JAMB and NECO tests with good grades. The problem was that I needed money to actually go to university, and I didn’t have it.
“The ASUU chairman subsequently wrote to my Head of Department, requesting additional time for me during tests and examinations. The department granted the request and continued to support me throughout my studies,” she said.
One big challenge for me has always been writing. I write using my toes during all my classes, tests, and exams. When I took my first test, I couldn’t finish it in the normal amount of time. I told the ASUU about this problem.
The ASUU leaders talked to my department head and asked if I could have extra time for my tests. My department said yes and kept helping me throughout my whole time in school.
I’m also really thankful to all my lecturers. They were kind, they encouraged me, and they were willing to help me with what I needed.
She recalled that when a journalist visited the university, and inquired about her academic performances, the records rated her as being more punctual than most of the able-bodied students.
Umar also expressed joy over the successful completion of her degree programme without any academic failure.
“I am happy that I am about to graduate. I give God the glory because I have had no problem academically.
“Some students who I started schooling together had withdrawn or dropped out,” she said.
While urging people living with disabilities not to allow their conditions to distract them from pursuing their dreams, Umar enjoined them to shun street begging.
“You should not see begging as the only option. I once begged on the street, but now I am about to achieve my dream of becoming a graduate.”
(NAN)
