Disability Is Not An Insurmountable Barrier To Greatness- Idris Ndaba

Idris Alhassan Ndaba is a hearing impaired graduate of Special Education and Social Studies, specializing in the area of Learners with Hearing Impairment. He is also a Farmer. He spoke to TMG about his journey, ambitions, challenges and more. 

TMG> Tell us about your background:

My name is Idris Alhassan Ndaba. I was born and bred in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. I got enrolled in primary education at Kwara State School for Special Needs Ilorin between 2000 and 2006. I also had my Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) at the same school in 2009. 

Thereafter, I then proceeded to the Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo in 2012, where I obtained my Nigeria Certificate in Education in Special Education /Social Studies in 2015. 

In 2016, I was admitted to the University of Jos to study Special Education with a specialization area in Learners with Hearing Impairment, where I obtained the Bachelor of Arts certificate in 2019. I am currently doing my one year Mandatory National Service.

TMG: Tell us the story behind your disability as a deaf person? Were you born with it?

I was born hearing before I became deaf as a result of an illness. At the age of nine, I suffered from malaria fever and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

This illness took me five years before I recovered and it led to my deafness. This also affected the quality of my speech production. I was so depressed and confused over the loss of my sense of hearing as efforts of my parents to restore my hearing were futile. That was how I ended up being deaf. 

Despite being hearing impaired, my family members still had confidence in my academic ability because I already received education at a regular school before I became deaf. 

Deafness is not a choice, it can happen to anyone. It is also not an insurmountable barrier to greatness. I am even proud to be a member of the Deaf Community. 

TMG: How have you been coping from the time you realised you became deaf?

After I recovered from the illness, I was able to cope with my deafness because I had acquired the *Dialect language* of the society before I became Deaf. I used to speak with my family members, friends, relatives etc. and they would understand me well. I also lip read them. 

I was later enrolled in a special school, where I learnt sign language for the purpose of communication. This has made it easier for me to cope as a Deaf person. To God all be all the glory, I have been able to cope in spite of all the odds. 

Moreover, being deaf doesn't stop anyone from achieving anything. Indeed, Deaf persons can do anything except hear. 

TMG: Have you enjoyed any support from the people around you?

Normally, in life, people will need the support of others to live a good life. Yes, there are some people who have been and are still supporting me in my entire life. They are very supportive of me.

TMG: Tell us how you managed to reach this level of education?

Well, I was able to reach this level by setting my vision. I decide what I want to happen or what I need to achieve. Also, I zealously strengthened my weaknesses through my academic.

Nevertheless, right from primary to university level, I was a diligent student, with a great commitment to my study schedules. I was always reading my books squarely and following up notes taken from the class. 

TMG: Do you you have sponsors or was it all due to your parents?

Well, of course, scholarship is very important in education. It is an educational support every student needs to pursue their education. 

Apart from my parents, I have some people that sponsored my education. They are many but I do not want to mention them here for a reason known best known to me. 

TMG: What course did you read at University and how was it with normal people in your class or was it a special class?

I read Education Special with a specialization area in Learners with Hearing Impairment at the University.

Sorry to say that the word "normal" used in this context is rude to people with disabilities. Everybody is normal. The hearing and deaf people are equally normal. Even despite their disability, they are still normal as long as their other senses are functioning perfectly except the ear. There is nothing persons that hear can do that the deaf cannot. 

Having clarified above, let me go straight to the question. At university level, deaf and hearing students are to attend lectures together in the same class. This is because deaf students in tertiary institutions can independently learn and grasp the contents unlike those at primary and secondary levels. More so, sign language interpreters interprete for the deaf in the class. 

TMG: Tell us your experience as an NYSC member; how did you survive at the camp? 

My experience in the orientation camp was awesome actually. On getting to the camp gate, the soldiers at the gate started shouting with their deep voices. Since I could not hear them at all, I told them in a local sign that I am Deaf. One of the soldiers helped me by leading me to registration centre where I registered everything without any problem. I was also directed to go to the hostel and change my clothes. That was how I started my NYSC activities in the camp. 

I also made a lot of friends from different states across the country and, one of the corpers, who happened to be in the same room with me, was very helpful to me. He helped me with every information throughout the orientation exercise.  

The soldiers were friendly to me. Despite being deaf, they freed me from parading except drilling and other activities I could carry out. It was a nice stay for me in the orientation camp. 

TMG: What is your next plan as a graduate?

My next plan as a graduate is to get a job and go for masters by the special grace of God.

TMG: Apart from school, is there anything you are doing special to "make ends meet"?

Yes, I am a farmer. Apart from schooling, farming is a source of my sustenance. As a farmer, I am able to make ends meet. 

TMG: How do you see the future?

Though I am not a soothsayer who can foretell the future, I see the future as an important asset to every human being. One needs to plan for the future for the betterment of life. 

Future planning helps a lot in life, because there is no way one can become anything in the future without planning. 

TMG: Tell us what life is all about as deaf person?

Our lives are endowed with potentials, giftedness and talentedness. With sign language, we are equal.    

TMG: Are you married with children? What is your mode of communication with them?

I am not married yet, but I know some Deaf married couples' children grow up to learn signing language from their parents. They can understand eachother through sign language. 

TMG: When do you plan on getting married?

This year by the grace of God. 

TMG: Who are your role models and what have you learnt from them?

My role models are my parents ( Mallam Idris Ladan&Late Aisha Idris). Others are: Mr. Idris Adam, Alh. M. T Manman, Alh. Tajudeen ADHD Manama Mr. Abdulfatai Kadir, Engr. Oldododo G.A, Mr. Bashir Raji to mention but a few. I learnt from them that life is all about struggle, and education is the key to success. This has helped me to face challenges that have made me what I am today. They are all wonderful role models to me. 

TMG: Do you love sports and music? Tell us which sport you enjoy and how do you relate to music if people are dancing in front of you?

I love jogging and running as part of my sports and I am not interested in dancing. 

TMG: As a graduate living with disability, how would you advise teeming youths who are not engaged in anything and also how can you encourage other people who are disabled in our society?

I will advise people who are disabled to be courageous. Never be ashamed of being Deaf. To believe that God has a plan for them and that Deafness is not a barrier to greatness. They should accept the challenges that Deafness imposed on them. They should boldly confront the condition and not care what people might say about them. They should make judicious use of their inner strengthens and talents for personal benefits/personal developments and for the benefit of the society around them.

Being focused, determined and hardworking pays handsomely. Never give up on your dreams. Work hard, pray and focus to achieve anything you want in life. Doing nothing or being idle leads to negative things and the devil's workshop.

Lastly, I encourage people with disability to get good mentors among disabled people who will stir them on the right path and give them the needed leverage and support to make correct choices in their life's journey. 

TMG: What do you love doing most when you're free to relax?

I love making jokes with friends when I am free. That relaxes me.

Regards

TakeMyGist™®

@takemygist 

takemygist@gmail.com

takemygist-247.blogspot.com 

0809 8988 267