Ours is an age where the quest for higher education has attained phenomenal dimensions, even among folks who are only fairly enlightened – irrespective of the hurdles and obstacles faced. From financial constraints, to advanced age, from disability to failing health to a packed schedule that frees no time for the rigors of the academic, the challenges are simply daunting. While some have caved in to the pressure and given up, others held on, paid the price and reached the prize.
Towing the latter path is thirty-eight year old Ademosu Taiwo, a PWD and mother of two from Ijebu, Ogun State. She is a student of Topmost College of Education, Ayobo Ipaja. In this interview with Inclusive News Network, she narrates how she had to beg family and friends to feed herself and children while soliciting plead for sponsorship to complete her education at the college.
Excerpts:
INN: What cluster of Disability do you belong?
Ademosu: I’ve physical disability in my left arm. It is paralyzed and I can’t make use of it.
INN: How did it happen?
Ademosu: In 2004, on my way to Ogere Polytechnic in Abeokuta to collect my admission letter. I had a motorcycle accident at Ifo, Ogun State. Consequently, I was unable to further my education owing to my condition. I had to get married and in due course had two kids with my husband – a boy and a girl. As the financial responsibilities mounted, I realized the need to improve my employability chances by going for further studies. I had to enroll at Top Most College of Education. The problem I am currently facing is financial. I have got to complete my education. I am presently in the second semester of my final year and the money pressures are high.
INN: How did you manage to survive to the present level given the hard economy coupled with the challenges of raising two kids?
Ademosu: By God’s grace, we got support from friends and family, we had to ask and beg for survival. My husband does not have a stable work. Many times, we had to depend on friends and family to feed. I don’t want to drop out because of my future and children’s.
INN: What was their reactions when you begged friends for help?
Ademosu: Some ignore and won’t respond. Most times, they will only respond by praying and wishing us well. Maybe they are not being compassionate enough. But, of course, they have their own challenges too.
INN: What about your family?
Ademosu: My family don’t give support. They don’t render any assistance. I don’t receive anything from them.
INN: What is your husband’s occupation?
Ademosu: My husband doesn’t have the required qualifications for a better job. He only has SSCE, TRADE 1&3 and NABTEB results. He used to work as a bus conductor with a friend. However, his friend recently sold the bus and he now works as a licensed driver. That’s all he has. I myself manage with teaching in one school.
INN: Is the school where you teach a special school?
Ademosu: No, It’s not. I teach in a private school, Seat of Wisdom school. I handle Basic one class on a meager salary of #9000 per month.
INN: How do you want people and the government to assist you?
Ademosu: I and my husband need better jobs so our children don’t suffer. I need a job and support for my education
INN: What’s your advice to people like you in similar situations?
Ademosu: They should not lose hope because in disability, there is ability.