By Hajara Leman
Ms Maryam Umar, a limb distinction scholar, is about to graduate with a Bachelor of Science diploma in Economics on the Gombe State University.
Umar, who efficiently accomplished her Level 400 coursework and examinations, achieved this feat after overcoming monetary and bodily challenges.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Umar mentioned that the intervention by the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) made her journey to achieve college schooling a actuality.
Umar recounted that she began main schooling on the age of 11 at Hammadaji Primary School in Gombe metropolis, including that she couldn’t instantly proceed to secondary faculty on account of challenges.
The 26-year-old foot-writer later attended Government Day Secondary School, Nasarawo, Gombe, the place she obtained a senior faculty certificates.
“Many people doubted my ability to attend university because of physical and financial challenges.
“Nevertheless; I sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, and passed both, but could not proceed due to lack of sponsorship.
“Apparently, my predicament widely circulated in the national dailies attracted the attention of the ASUU,” she mentioned.
She mentioned that the union visited her household dwelling, verified her academic credentials, and subsequently supplied her scholarship.
Umar mentioned that handwriting proved to be a serious impediment as a result of she writes along with her toes throughout lectures, checks and examinations.
“During my first test, I couldn’t finish within the allocated time and reported the matter to the union.
“The ASUU chairman subsequently wrote to my Head of Department, requesting an additional time for me during tests and examinations. The department granted the request and continued to support me throughout my studies,” she mentioned.
Umar additionally counseled her lecturers for his or her assist and understanding.
She recalled that when a journalist visited the college, and requested about her tutorial efficiency, the data rated her as being extra punctual than a lot of the able-bodied college students.
Umar additionally expressed pleasure over the profitable completion of her diploma programme with none tutorial failure.
“I am happy that I am about to graduate. I give God the glory because I have had no problem academically.
“Some students whom we started schooling together had withdrawn or dropped out,” she mentioned.
While urging individuals residing with disabilities to not enable their situations to distract them from pursuing their goals, Umar enjoined them to shun road 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)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
