Deaf Student Wins N500k In Business Pitching Competition, Defeats Hearing Counterparts

A 400 level deaf student of Special Education Department at Bayero University Kano, Babangida Zama, has won ₦500,000 prize in Hausa Language Business Pitching Competition, defeating his hearing counterparts at the Youth Opportunity Summit held on Wednesday and Thursday, 15-16th May, 2024 by office of the Special Adviser to the Vice President on youth entrepreneurship.

The summit was designed to give students the opportunity to build leadership skills, network with industry experts, participate in a pitch competition to stand a chance to get support for their business, social impact projects among other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Zama, an indigene of Danko/wasagu local government in Kebbi State, is studying special education combined with political Science at the University. He represented special needs students at the 25th students representative assembly (SRA) at Students’ Union Government (SUG) level of the University.

Speaking to Inclusive News Network, Mr Zama encourages budding youths to always engage in vocational skills acquisition training to empower themselves rather than depending on government job or waste their time waiting for an automatic employment on or after graduation.

He said “handwork is more important and profitable for self reliance.

“I can also say that it’s with my small business in tailoring/fashion business and wise spendings that I was able to complete my Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) program at Shehu Shagari University of Education, formerly Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto, Sokoto state from 2013-2015, aside from this, it’s with my fashion business, I build a bungalow and got married and I am blessed with two daughters. I’m currently a 400 level student of Bayero University Kano, studying special education/political science.”

Zama urges government to pay more attention to deaf community by empowering them with business skills to ease our burdens, not only for the deaf but the PWDs across the country. “This will reduce street begging.” He said.

Among other prizes Zama won include, 6 months mentorship and a brand new electricity sewing machine.

The second and third winners being hearing persons also went home with ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 respectively and other prizes.