Many said because I cannot write well, I could not do well ― Adebolu Adejobi, WAEC 2021 Overall Best Student

Adebolu Adejobi is a disabled patient who emerged as the overall best student in WAEC 2021. In this interview by ADEWUNMI ADEDAYO, he talks about his difficulties, wins, and aspirations.

Can you tell us about your academic journey and how you emerged the overall best student in WAEC 2021 at Ajayi Crowther Memorial Senior Grammar School?

My educational life started when I was in primary school, I used to be one of the least students in the class because I really did not understand anything. Starting school was like I was just going to school to warm the benches. Due to the school not being licensed, I was asked to go back to primary two in the new school I found which was Toluvic Private School; that was where the foundation of my education started from.

At that school, I was taught almost everything I knew, I was brushed up and they really took care of me, but before I got to the school, I went to a lot of schools around me; many of them said because I cannot walk well, they could not accommodate me. Many said because I cannot write well, I could not do well. But, on getting to this school, they tested me and I graduated from the school in 2013/2014.

I then got into Morocco Junior High School in 2014. I really did not face any discrimination from anyone aside from the students that bullied me. Most of the time I was in Morocco, I was always in the library. This is because I like reading a lot and I also noticed that readers are leaders.

On finishing my junior secondary school, due to relocation, I was asked to change my school from Morocco Junior High School to Ajayi Crowther Senior Memorial School. Going to the new school was a new world to me because it is an all boys’ school. So, I started doing the best I could do and going to the library like I normally do.

At the beginning, the principals and teachers said I could not be in science class because I don’t have coordination in my movement and I cannot write. I was referred to some counselors at the child’s guidance and counselling. Those counsellors informed my teachers that they should try me for a term. I got to Ajayi Crowther in the ninth week and luckily for me, I came out as one of the top 10 students of the school that term. That was the way I pulled through until the teachers agreed to let me stay.

How does it make you feel, emerging as the best overall student in WAEC 2021?

I felt surprised and I was shocked because 10 years ago, I was the boy that could not spell his name in the class; now being the best student in a school in WAEC came as a shock to me. I felt proud of what I’ve achieved in the period of those 10 years. I felt the works of my teachers didn’t go in vain, starting from the first school to Ajayi Crowther. I was also proud of my teachers because they brought out the potential in me. The day I was called to come and get the award, I was in my room thinking about what next, but I didn’t know that was the plan God had for me. So, I felt really proud.

What are your aspirations?

Naturally, I’ve always wanted to be like an encourager to others. I like portraying myself as someone that people should reference and learn from. I also try to be a better person in many aspects. What I aspire to be is to find a way to touch people’s lives, whether with any disability or not.

I aspire to go into the medical field, not only because my grandmother wants me to, although that was the main reason, but also because I will have a first-hand experience of what many people living with disabilities face and I will understand what their parents are going through. I also believe if I’m in the medical field, I will be able to relate more with patients and I can give hope to people out there.

I also want to study biomedical engineering because I believe I can build a lot of equipment for people living with disability to make life easier for them.

How do you think the government can help people with Cerebral Palsy?

I believe the way government can help people with Cerebral Palsy is by providing a lot of health care facilities with expertise and this should be at an affordable price. This is because most people and parents that have Cerebral Palsy children spend a lot on the prices of therapy.

The government can also help in social security and also help in creating health care insurance for people living with Cerebral Palsy.

In addition, advocating for people with disability for inclusive society; they can help in building assisting gadgets including staircases, whereby people can easily gain access to bridges and also, in terms of transport.

 READ ALSO: Who Will Sponsor Him? Reactions As Young Nigerian Student ‘Builds’ Sports Car For His Final Year Project

You’re a proof that our challenge doesn’t define us and you’re a complete inspiration to people, what advice do you have for people with disabilities?

My advice to people with Cerebral Palsy is that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Just because you have one kind of disability doesn’t define who you are. Let your disability be a stepping stone for you. People believe that when they have disability, the next thing is begging, but you can actually accomplish a lot of things. You have the brain to think and come up with something. Go out into the society and show what you have in you. Yes, there are people that will condemn you and laugh at you, but that’s not enough to put yourself down. I believe it’s when you sharpen yourself that you can actually be a better person. I believe that your disability cannot kill you or stop you from being who you are. It’s now up to you to get up, buckle up and embrace yourself with a lot of courage. Go out there, show the little you can and leave the rest for God and I believe with that, the best is yet to come.

How do you think the community can help people with disabilities?

There are different ways the community can help people with disability. One is by not discriminating; this kills the self esteem and morale people with disability have. Also, someone with disability doesn’t mean the person is a beggar, because in today’s society, once you have disability, it’s like you are out there to beg for money. I tell people, “empathy, not sympathy” because I’m not a beggar. I don’t have any disease or sickness that requires sympathy.

Furthermore, the community should foster an inclusive society whereby everybody is included, no form of segregation. There are a lot of opportunities, but because someone with disability, even though fully graduated, is coming to seek for job opportunities, they won’t accommodate and accept the person. I believe the community can do better.

What’s the next step for Adebolu Adejobi?

My next plan is me focusing on my forthcoming examinations and I hope by God’s grace, I’ll have a good mark for me to gain admission into the university.

READ ALSO: Due To My Disability I Was Demoted From Pry 6 to Pry 2 – Overall Best WAEC Student Share Story

CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Nigerian Tribune