Twenty-six-year-old Maryam Umar, who was born without both arms, has graduated with a degree in Economics from Gombe State University after receiving financial support from the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Maryam’s university journey began after she gained admission to study Economics following her secondary education in 2022. She scored 182 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
However, financial difficulties nearly prevented her from taking up the admission, as her family could not afford the N81,322.50 required for her registration and school fees at the time.
Her situation later attracted the attention of ASUU, which investigated her circumstances and decided to provide financial assistance for her education.
The then Bauchi Zone Coordinator of ASUU, Professor Lawal Abubakar, said the union’s national leadership directed the Gombe State University branch to verify Maryam’s situation before approving the intervention.
“This was after the news was sighted in The PUNCH; information was instantly verified to be true and the ASUU National promised to make Maryam Umar its daughter and shoulder all the responsibilities of her studies,” Abubakar said.
The union subsequently approved a scholarship worth N1.68m to support Maryam throughout her four-year university programme.
According to Abubakar, “ASUU National Scholarship covers her feeding, transport and academic allowance, including her yearly registration fees for the period of her studies. We granted a scholarship to her to the tune of N1,680,000, covering the four years period of her studies.”
The former Chairperson of the ASUU GSU branch, Dr Suleiman Jauro, described Maryam as an example of courage and determination, while encouraging other people living with disabilities to remain committed to their goals.
“I want to encourage people with disabilities to believe in themselves. Believe in what you can do. Maryam, with her disability, believes that what she wants is education and she is doing everything to pursue her dream, and ASUU is doing everything possible to ensure she achieves everything,” Jauro said.
Beyond tuition and registration expenses, the scholarship package also provided Maryam with items to support her studies, including a laptop, voice recorder and specialised table and chair. She also received N130,000 each semester for feeding and academic needs.
Jauro said the support was designed around Maryam’s specific needs and would continue until she completed her studies.
After four years of study, Maryam has now successfully graduated with an Economics degree from Gombe State University.
Following her graduation, she expressed appreciation to her family, friends, ASUU and everyone who supported her throughout the journey.
“I’m grateful to those who made this dream a reality. I thank you all from ASUU, to others numerous to mention for standing by me this past years. May your Allah reward you all with paradise.”
Maryam’s achievement reflects her determination to overcome the financial and physical challenges she faced while pursuing higher education.