Michael Ba’amkwap is a young man with physical disability from Shandam local government of Plateau state. He became person with disability due to polio, He was ten years and in primary school then. He is from a family of six children and he is the only one with disability among his siblings, his father is a primary school teacher.
In this interview with our correspondents, Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, he spoke about his education pursuit and what he is doing to survive.
TQM. Were you able to continue with your education after you became a person with disability?
Yes
TQM. What are the schools you attended?
I attended LGEA primary school Galong, after completion, I went to Government Secondary School Galong. Later I wrote JAMB, and applied to read Economics in the Plateau State University Bokkos, I missed out on the day of day of screening, l got there late because of physical (environmental) barriers. Even though, I got there when the screening was still going on, but that of Economics candidates was over. I pleaded and tried to explain things, so that I could be screened but I was not considered, that was in the year 2016.
l am now waiting for admission with Plateau State Polytechnic to read Public Administration, after l have wrote JAMB and have passed through the required processes.
TQM. You said you missed the chances of admission in Plateau State University Bokkos, because of physical barriers, What are some of the barriers you are looking forward to overcome in Plateau State Polytechnic when you gain the Admission?
Some of their buildings have steps or staircases, there are also waterways. I would need to be assisted. These are some of the difficulties, l just have to bear.
TQM. Who have been paying for your education?
My father have been paying for my education, l hope he will continue to have the resources to continue.
TQM. What work do you do for now?
I repair rechargeable lamps for people at home for a small fee.
TQM. What is your story as it relate to discrimination either in your family or outside?
In my family, my siblings sometimes make statements, that are not good, statements like, l don’t go to farm but still l am expecting my school fees to be paid. And outside my family, when l have issue with people, no matter how small it is, they will always threatened to beat me.
TQM. What do you usually do in situations like this?
It is hurting, but what can I do?
TQM. Before we go, what appeal for assistance would you make to any body that is reading your story ?
I am praying for scholarship when I get admission. I also desire to be train in solar energy repairs, so that even, when I am schooling, I would be having some work to sustain myself.
TQM. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you.
