Meet blind young woman who dreams of being professor
Daily Trust: Were you born blind? Justina Agyesopa Sule: Yes, I was born with this condition, so also were my parents. From the case history study, it is genetic. My parents have six children and three have their sight intact, while three of us are blind. I am the third child. It was not easy, […]
Daily Trust: Were you born blind?
Justina Agyesopa Sule: Yes, I was born with this condition, so also were my parents. From the case history study, it is genetic. My parents have six children and three have their sight intact, while three of us are blind. I am the third child.
It was not easy, because things were hard for my family. We are not buoyant, but we praise God we had food to eat. About my sight, it was not easy, even though it is not something that I bother about. However, when I ask the so-called ‘normal people’ to help me do something and they refuse, that is when it becomes a problem.
DT: Was it difficult growing up with blind parents?
Sule: It was difficult because some things were not there for us to enjoy. For instance, let’s say I walk into your house and say I feel like eating biscuit and you ask me to leave, I would begin to wonder that if my parents had their sight, would I have to ask anyone? It could be very heartbreaking.
DT: Did you face any form of difficulty or discrimination while in school?
Sule: I started my primary school in 1996 at the School for Blind Children here in Jos and graduated in 2003, so that helped me. My extended family opposed my dad bringing me to Plateau State because they felt I couldn’t cope with the cold and that I was too little, but my daddy stood strong. From there I proceeded to Government College Obi and graduated in 2009. Then I came for my diploma studies at University of Jos between 2011 and 2014 in the area of Special Education, Visually Handicapped to be specific. Now I am back again through direct entry to study Special Education for the Visually Handicapped.
DT: How did you learn to be independent?
Sule: In the School for Blind Children, we had some extracurricular activities, apart from the educational aspects, where they teach us about the domestic aspects of life. We are taught how to wash our clothes, feed ourselves and even cook, so we don’t become liabilities to others.
DT: You said your blindness is genetic. Were your grandparents blind too?
Sule: On the paternal side, there is no genetic history of blindness, but from the maternal, it’s a genetic problem right from my mother’s great grandparents.
DT: Why did you choose to study Special Education for the Visually Handicapped?
Sule: I just love what I do. I want to be a professor. It is said, with God all things are possible and those who are professors don’t have horns on their head. They have one head and a brain like mine, so if God grants me that privilege I would also love to be a professor someday. That’s my dream.
DT: What are some of the challenges you face?
Sule: The challenges are many. We go from office to office, churches and mosques looking for assistance. Things are not easy. We go through difficulties acquiring materials because we need to buy them. For instance, being a student, when I get my handout, I have to go and get Braille paper, get someone to transcribe it to Braille and all that. I have to pay for all these things. There are also challenges that have to do with assistance, especially when an environment is new to you and you don’t know anybody.
DT: Why don’t you move around with a stick?
Sule: I don’t need a stick if the environment is known to me. I know where my school is, so I don’t move around with a stick. But if I am going to town or the market, I need one because of the vehicles, just so they know my situation.
DT: Is it true that when you lose your sight, your other senses are enhanced?
Sule: It is true. When the eyes are no longer there, the work of the eyes go to the ears, nose and hands. So, other parts are there waiting for utilisation. When you are taken to school you can then utilise them for the betterment of the society. For me, I utilise my ears. I use them to listen to your footsteps and tomorrow if I hear your footsteps I would know you are the one approaching, especially if I am close to you.
DT: What is the one thing you would love to see?
Sule: To be able to read my Bible. Even though I have it in Braille now, I would love to be able to read the printed format.
DT: What makes you happy?
Sule: I’m always happy. I love singing and it makes me happy. Though I am quick to anger, when I am sad I go to my hymn book and sing out, and before you know it I would start jumping, feeling good. I love singing because it makes me forget everything around me.
DT: You recently got a scholarship from Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State. How do you feel about that?
Sule: I am so excited and happy because the governor gave me hope again where all hope was lost. I had been praying and asking God where I will go to, because everyone you talk to, even those who could help are going through hardship. So I kept praying and thanks to God almighty, He used the governor to give me hope and I am back to school. I give God the glory and pray to him to keep blessing and protecting the governor.