The 22-year-old Maryam Umar, who was born without arms, has pleaded with well meaning Nigerians, the government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for assistance in realising her dream of a university education.
Already, she is treading the path to this life-long goal but first is the hurdle of completing her initial registration into Gombe State University that has graciously offered her admission.
Though excited by the offer, a visibly worried Umar, who writes and does house chores with her toes, explained that her family background is seriously in the way to achieving this dream of being a university graduate.
According to the available information, Maryam recently gained admission to study Economics at the Gombe university but must first of all cough out N81,322.50 for the school fees as indicated on her payment advice.
Making a passionate plea for assistance while speaking with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel in Gombe State, Maryam said her parents do not have the resources that would enable her proceed in her academic pursuit, adding that she currently survives on alms from residents.
According to her; “My parents reside at BCGA, Gombe. I rounded off secondary school in 2022. I scored 182 in the UTME and I already have four credits, including English and Mathematics, in NECO.
“But I don’t have money for registration to study Economics at the Gombe State University. My parents don’t have money and I’m appealing to public-spirited individuals to support me so that I don’t waste this opportunity.”
Further explaining that she comes from a large family of eight children, Maryam said; “I am the third child and the only one born without arms. I will also have eight children; I want to do business when I complete my education,” she stated.
Saying she had chosen to see ability in her disability, Maryam stated that she practically did everything for herself without being a liability to anyone, adding; “I feel happy that I have seen ability in my disability and whatever anybody can do with hand I can do with the leg.”
Meanwhile, after the media interaction, her account Number was made public for interested Nigerians who may wish donate to fund her education – Maryam Umar’s Union Bank account: 0015749904.
