Maryam Umar, a limb difference student, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Gombe State University.

Umar, who completed her Level 400 coursework, examinations, and project, achieved this feat after overcoming educational and financial challenges.

In an interview on Monday in Gombe, Ms Umar said the Academic Staff Union of the University’s intervention made her journey to attain university education a reality.

Ms 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, Nasarawo, Gombe, where she obtained a senior school certificate.

“Many people doubted my ability to attend university because of physical and financial challenges. Nevertheless, I sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and National Examinations Council examinations, and passed both, but could not proceed due to lack of sponsorship. Apparently, my predicament widely circulated in the national dailies and attracted the attention of the ASUU,” she said.

She said that the union visited her family home, verified her educational credentials, and subsequently offered her a scholarship.

Ms Umar said that handwriting proved to be a major obstacle because she writes with her toes during lectures, tests 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 additional time for me during tests and examinations. The department granted the request and continued to support me throughout my studies,” she said.

Ms Umar also commended her lecturers for their support and understanding. She said that when a journalist visited the university and asked about her academic performance, the records showed she was more punctual than most non-disabled students.

Ms Umar also expressed joy at completing 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,” the student stated. “Some students with whom I started schooling together had withdrawn or dropped out.”

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,” Ms Umar said. “I once begged on the street, but now I am about to achieve my dream of becoming a graduate.”

(NAN)