Defying the Odds of Physical Disability by Dayo Olajide

The loss of social esteem which trails the strides of people living with peculiar disabilities is often wrapped in the society’s wrong perception of disability. This invariably entrenches it in the minds of many that disability is a limitation and an obstacle to achieving life goals. It is absolutely baseless to presume that people living with disability are not as productive as others. The society cannot afford to expect less of them because of their physical disabilities. It is this kind of attitudes, rather than any physical impairment, that create barriers for people with disabilities.

Esther Ifeoluwa Taiwo’s story cannot go untold as yet another limit breaking achievement despite physical disability. Her academic feat draws one into deep reflection of how disability can be turned to motivation.

With a firsthand encounter with her, I saw ability within, which yearned to be expressed regardless of physical disability. She picked up the application form to study Psychology in the University of Ibadan on the Distance Learning mode, a choice that did not look wise considering the general perspective about distance education. Rather than settling for popular opinion, she saw opportunity beyond the cynicism. In a journey where some quit and others get encroached under the yoke of academic pursuit, Esther waded through the tides of self-study successfully. With a dint of hard work and courage, she soars today.

In a chat with her, she explained that if she had just sulked in the wheel chair and not desire new horizons, she would not have achieved an academic feat. According to her, the DLC mode of study enabled her to have tertiary education. She opined that with her condition, it would not have been convenient to successfully go through the physical rigours of school activities on the face-to-face mode. Apparently, she would need the services of a maid who will assist her to navigate the university terrain. She revealed that her parents could not afford that luxury, coupled with an engagement of a standby cab to take all over the place.

Esther saw opportunities where others saw discrimination. In her words, she was excited to know that the only time she needed to show up was during examinations. Seemingly, her parents could handle dropping her off for her examinations and pick her up when she was done with the scheduled Examinations. In her words, Esther revealed that all the DLC staff were supportive not because she was an object of pity, but they helped as dear friends”.

Esther’s journey was not without challenges, but they are not worth recounting today because the beauty of putting on the UI academic gown was a great end that made the rough journey worth the price. The warm smiles of being flanked by notable academics and administrators to take a picture could not be described with words. By this feat, she has further established the fact that distance education is not a second rated escape route but a viable alternative.

This is to encourage people living with disability out there, Esther is your case in point. Physical challenges are not barriers to the success of any human. If your desire is strong enough, you can overcome attendant limitations. Esther’s story is yet another attestation that indeed the motto of the UIDLC: Education for Liberty and Development was conceived as a watchword for those who wish to defy all odds and hit their life goals. UIDLC offers education beyond the four walls as a stepping stone for the actualization of dreams. The time advantage cannot be overemphasized. The mental resilience deployed on the programme comes in handy on the competitive turf of life and career development.

As she joins other graduands at the 73rd Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Ibadan today with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division), Esther can lift her head up high as a Bachelor of Science degree holder from the prestigious University. Her’s is an academic pursuit with singleness of purpose which defied the odds of physical disability to make a story which inspires.