Precious Umoru, a 23-year-old lady with scoliosis whose admission at the Edo State School of Nursing Science was cancelled by the management of the institution before the intervention of the state government tells ADEYINKA ADEDIPE why doubts about her ability will not deter her
Were you born with the condition?
I was not born like this. I was born healthy like every normal kid. According to my mum, she started noticing a boil-like growth on the right side of my back when I was two years old. My mother took me to the hospital, I did an X-ray and we were told that nothing was wrong with me and that we had nothing to be afraid of. But the growth led to my deformity. People might feel that my mother didn’t do much to help me but I must say that she did all she could to take care of me when the growth was noticed. I cannot blame her for it.
What did medical doctors say about the condition?
To be honest, I only got to know what the condition is called recently. It didn’t really bother me. I didn’t think the condition could deter me. Although I am living with it, it was nothing to me until it became an issue recently. It was during my physical examination that I knew I had scoliosis.
How was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fantastic because I got a lot of attention from my parents, but when I am in the midst of people, they always pity me. However, they don’t realize that the condition does not really affect me. I was not allowed to participate in sporting activities due to my condition, especially in my primary and secondary school. I was always told to sit down and watch others and that made me an unwilling spectator.
How supportive has your family been?
My mother, father, and siblings are the ones encouraging me to be the best. Even when people around me have been discouraging me with their attitude towards me, they (my family) always tell me to move on and reach for my goal.
How difficult was it relating with your peers in primary and secondary school?
I attended Air Force Primary School on Airport Road, Benin City; and Ceta International Secondary School in Benin City. My mates were full of pity for me in primary school, but in secondary school, I was the head of a club because they had confidence in me. I was also able to participate in different activities in secondary school because I also met (Jesus) Christ, who emboldened me. My (academic) grades improved too because I was determined to do well.
What dreams did you have as a kid?
My dream was to become a nurse even as a young kid, so when I finished secondary school in 2020, my main goal was to get into the school of nursing. I tried gaining admission into the University of Benin Teaching Hospital’s nursing school but it was difficult so I knew I had to double my effort to make it into the Edo State School of Nursing Science. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I was resolute in my ambition.
It was said that the state school of Nursing cancelled the admission it offered you initially. What do you think led to that?
The school must have felt my physique would deter me from coping with academic activities just the same way others who see me for the first feel.
How did you regain your admission?
My parents went to see the provost but the school was not ready to listen to them. So I posted the issue on my Facebook page and my sister’s page and other people started reposting it. I knew I didn’t have the connection to get back to school but I believed in God and people to help me actualise my dream.
What is the situation right now?
I have regained my admission but what I need now is accommodation near the school. I do not want to stay in the (school) hostel because I don’t know how others will perceive me. However, I have been attending classes.
How did you feel after the initial rejection?
I cried when I was rejected. When I was told the provost wanted to see me, I panicked but I took solace in the scripture, believing that God had me in mind even before He made the foundation of the earth. The rejection was like taking away what I value so much. I had remained at home for two years, so the admission meant a lot to me. I couldn’t go to school and I was thinking about how I would prove to the world that I have the mental and physical capability to excel. I know people will question my ability but that is not a problem for me.
How did you feel when the news of your rejection went viral on social media?
I was happy knowing that my problem was gaining attention as people started calling and wanting to assist me to get back to school by fighting my cause. It gave me hope and the courage to push through.
How do people question your ability even as an adult?
People actually think that I can’t take up tasks because of my condition but I have been able to prove them wrong with my action. I know talking to them will not do much. As soon as they see what I can do, they become amazed. For me, I don’t allow my situation to define me.
How have you been commuting to school since you do not live in the hostel?
I spend about N3,000 to and fro school every day. My parents and my sister have been helping me. It has not been easy but God has been my support.
How are you sorting out the accommodation?
I really would not want to stay in the hostel. I would like to get a place close to the school so that as soon as I am done with school work, I will move to my place. That arrangement will be the best for me as I won’t need to spend too much on transport.
How have you been able to cope as an adult?
As I said earlier, knowing (Jesus) Christ has helped me a lot. Although there have been struggles along the way, they are not visible to me and I don’t dwell on them. All I see is the plan God has for me. I will advise other Nigerians living with disabilities to never give up but keep pressing forward. I will also enjoin them to move closer to God as nothing will stop them from achieving their aim. There will be challenges but they should not allow the challenges to bring them down. They must rise above challenges and move on and they will be successful.
How will you describe the intervention of the Edo State Government?
I must say it was good it stepped into the matter but no government official has reached out to me. However, several organisations have reached out to me with the promise to help me. Student bodies, rights groups, and lawyers have also contacted me with a view of assisting me.
Have you received any financial assistance from any group or person?
No, I have not had that but I can make do with financial support. I still owe the school N165,000 which is the balance of my school fees of N500,000. I have paid N345,000, the first instalment. I am not forcing anyone but appealing to them to assist me. Raising money for my transportation has been difficult despite the assistance I get from my family.
How do you feel returning to the lecture hall?
It’s been fantastic. Some of my mates show concern and want to know how far I have gone with the issue. I tell them about my medical assessment which is okay and what is left to do is see the provost about the assessment. I am using this medium to tell the school authorities that the idea behind the actions I took was not to tarnish the image of the school but to set the record straight and ensure I realise my dream. I am not planning to bring anyone down. You cannot rise by bringing someone down. We are all happy that it ended in joy despite the tears it brought to our eyes initially and the shock we suffered.
