Deaf Obtains Degree From Gombe Varsity
Education they said, is the best asset a man can bequeath to himself. This saying was exemplified by a 24-year-old Yahaya Yusuf, who lost his hearing after a brief illness at the age of 10, against all odds bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the Gombe State University, Gombe.
Yusuf, who was born in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, recounted the intimidating challenges he faced on his way to academic excellence.
It gathered that Yusuf had been unsuccessful in all his attempts 5o regain his hearing. It was after then his parents allowed to finish his Junior Secondary School in a conventional school.
According to Yusuf, he noted that he was later transferred to a Deaf Special Education Centre in Gombe, where he learnt how to express himself in sign language and the ‘deaf culture.’
He said immediately after his secondary education, he gained admission into Gombe State University, adding that it was a herculean task for a deaf to school in a conventional university without communication aids or materials.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced are information and communication barriers as a deaf student with no interpreter in the university. Sometimes, I had to hire interpreter for assignment presentations.
“But in most cases, I communicated by writing. I sometimes felt isolated and lonely, although, some of the students were loving and caring. They liked to chat with me in writing.
more so, there are some shameless people that will call you names such as Kurma (deaf). I must admit that it hurts and sounds discriminatory. They are supposed to ask for my name given to me by my parents. But thankfully, those unruly individuals are few. Most of those who know me on social media call me, comrade.”
Yusuf further disclosed that prayers, hard work, dedication and determination, and online researches paved ways for his academic breakthrough.
“Also, my course mates were always helpful by allowing me to copy their notes and informing me when tests and assignments were given by our lecturers,” he said.
According to Yusuf, he was supported for his studies by his parents and other well-wishers, as well as a scholarship from Professor Abdullahi Mahdi, former Vice Chancellor of the university.
He said, “what kept me going was the desire to excel and Ben Carson’s book, ‘Think Big’. It inspired and motivated me a lot. Whenever I felt like giving up, I read the book. The quote, ‘it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are coming from, but where you are going that counts,’ kept resounding in my mind. I believe I’m going to be great regardless of my disability.”
However, after successfully completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the next difficulty faced by Yusuf, is employment opportunity.
Speaking further, Yusuf said, “I was trained on ICT and computer skills both by NITDA and the NYSC Skills Acquisition programme. Since I completed my service, I have been trying to open a Business Centre, but due to lack of capital, I am unable to do that.
“I am trying to secure employment and or a scholarship to do my Master’s programme. I know it won’t be easy, but God willing, it is possible. There are many deaf academics in Nigeria. All you need is to get a sign language interpreter for easy communication,” he added.
