Gombe student who writes with her toes credits ASUU for degree

 Maryam Umar, a student with a limb difference, says a scholarship from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) turned her hope of a university education into reality as she prepares to graduate in Economics from Gombe State University.

 

Umar has completed her Level 400 coursework, examinations and final-year project, and is set to receive a Bachelor of Science degree, after years of educational and financial hardship.

 

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday, she said the union's intervention made it possible for her to attend university at all.

 

Umar said she began primary school at the age of 11 at Hammadaji Primary School in the Gombe metropolis, and that challenges prevented her from moving straight on to secondary school.

 

She later attended Government Day Secondary School, Nasarawo, Gombe, where she obtained her 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 (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 said.

 

According to Umar, union officials visited her family home, verified her credentials and then offered her a scholarship.

 

Umar writes with her toes in lectures, tests and examinations, and she said handwriting became one of the biggest obstacles of her studies.

 

"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 said.

 

She praised her lecturers for their support and understanding.

 

Umar recalled that when a journalist visited the university and asked about her academic performance, the records showed her to be more punctual than most students without disabilities.

 

Umar said she was grateful to complete her programme without failing any course, noting that some of the students she started with had withdrawn or dropped out.

 

"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.

 

She urged people living with disabilities not to let their conditions keep them from pursuing their dreams, and called on them to avoid 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."