A deaf lady, Aanuoluwapo Omoleye Busade recently graduated with a first class honors – emerging best graduating student from the department of Special Education & Rehabilitation Science, University of Ibadan. Aanuoluwapo minored in Economics.
The high flying student was also the University’s overall best graduating student with disability, best in her department, and best graduating indigent student.
It is worth noting that Aanuoluwapo was the only student with disability in her class, both at departmental and faculty level, yet, she braved the odds to emerge as the best.
Aanuoluwapo had during her time at the University of Ibadan been involved in extra-curricular activities. According to her, this helped in several ways.
In an interview with Inclusive News Network, INN, the deaf scholar explained how she was able to achieve the remarkable feat despite her hearing difficulty. She says: “being the only student with disability in my class, I ensured I put in more work. There was (and still is) a serious shortage of interpreters, so most times I had to depend on notes and slides from classmates. I would also set realistic score-goals for myself and ensure that they are achieved. That helped me to do well. Fortunately for me, I also had the wonderful guidance of my lecturers and classmates. I also won’t fail to mention the genes from my parents. All my siblings are smart.”
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Aanuoluwapo said she had amazing course mates who helped her with notes, summary tips, and mini-interpretation. They also readily offered to guide her in some difficult courses involving statistics & mathematics.
She gave the level of accessibility in the university at 35%. Adding that there was shortage of interpreters as the university employed very few to cater for deaf students in all departments.
Omoleye Aanuoluwapo Busayo
“Many times, I had to go to classes just to stare at lecturers’ moving lips, and maybe, daydream. Some lecturers would send videos/audios without captions and tell me to “find a way”. Luckily, I had this great support system that made my academics and social life fine and I am grateful for that.”
Omoleye urged youths to work toward academic excellence and a well balanced social life.
According to her, two people are not the same. What works for me may not work for you. However, I’d say you have to put in the work and be dedicated. Be book-smart and also be street-smart. In addition to working towards academic excellence, ensure you also have a well balanced social life.” She said.