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Summary
Aisha Adeleye's story reflects the reality faced by many women living with disabilities. Her journey aims to inspire those confronting similar challenges to persevere and never give up.
Hailing from the southwestern part of Nigeria, Aisha Adeleye was born in Odeda, Ogun state. Her early years as a child were filled with laughter, play, and carefree days. However, everything changed when she turned three when an unexpected illness struck. A simple fever turned into Poliomyelitis, thereby paralysing her legs and permanently altering the course of her life.
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease, mostly affecting young children, that attacks the nervous system and can lead to spinal and respiratory paralysis and, in some cases, death.
Aisha’s family faced significant challenges due to the lack of access to quality healthcare and support services for people living with disabilities. Despite their limited resources, they did everything they could to ensure their daughter attended school. Her parents also instilled in her the belief that her potential and abilities were not defined by her disability. However, living in a largely uninclusive society like Nigeria, she was reminded daily not only of her physical differences but also of the stigma that followed her.
Rising Above Societal Barriers Utilising Education with Determination
Despite the societal barriers, Aisha was determined to excel, viewing her education as a refuge where she could prove that her worth was not defined by her disability. After completing secondary school, she was admitted to study Computer Science at the University of Ibadan. Navigating campus life was challenging due to her limited mobility, while other students moved freely. Every movement was carefully planned with precision and intentionality, ensuring she arrived early for classes to secure a seat near the lecture hall entrance.
Students with disabilities were often overlooked, as few provisions were made for them. Some university buildings lacked ramps, and lecture halls were frequently overcrowded. Keeping up with the fast-paced academic environment was a constant challenge for Aisha. There were days when she felt overwhelmed and questioned whether all her efforts were worth it. Yet, whenever the urge to give up surfaced, she reminded herself of her vision: to become self-reliant, to use her intellect to rise above her physical limitations and to prove to society that she was far more than her disability.
Her hard work paid off when she graduated with a BSc in Computer Science, a field she had grown to love because it allowed her to create, innovate, and contribute without her physical limitations.
Then Comes the Struggle of Job Security Amid Stigmatisation
After completing her NYSC in 2017 at the Ministry of Information in Oyo State, Aisha was optimistic that her qualifications and experience would secure her a job. However, reality struck hard. Despite applying to numerous job positions in both the public and private sectors, she was unemployed for years. Her physical disability became the barrier, not her lack of skills or qualifications.
Rejections and silence from her job applications began to pile up. Aisha applied for civil service positions, hoping the government would acknowledge her potential, but the stigma around disability remained. Employers, without explicitly saying so, judged her physical condition before considering her qualifications. Some interviewers even asked how she would “cope” with the demands of the job.
Aisha’s story resonates deeply with others living with disabilities who face similar discrimination despite policies meant to promote equal opportunities for all. The physical environment, societal attitudes, and lack of support systems create an invisible barrier that people like her must continuously fight to overcome
A Beacon of Hope for the Future
Despite being unable to secure a stable job, Aisha refused to remain idle. Her determination stayed strong. She pursued additional training in cybersecurity, a field she believed held greater promise in the digital age. Aisha knew that with the right skills, she could create her path in tech where her physical limitations wouldn’t define or hinder her success.
Even while pursuing her passion, Aisha faced some challenges. She needed the right tools—a laptop—to pursue a cybersecurity career. Although she had access to the Internet and electricity, the absence of a functioning computer hindered her progress toward her dream. In her quest for support, she made public appeals, hoping that someone, somewhere, would look beyond her disability and give her a chance to prove her worth.
While waiting for any available opportunity, Aisha’s story continues to unfold. Her story shows the resilience, hope, and determination needed to thrive in a society that ignores the potential of people living with disabilities. She believes that soon, her voice will be heard and that her struggles will inspire others facing similar challenges.
Until then, she keeps moving forward, and giving up was never going to be an option.
Editor’s Note: This story was first published by BONews.
