A 22-year-old girl, Maryam Umar, who was born without arms, has pleaded with public-spirited Nigerians, the government and non-governmental organisations to come to her aid to enable her to complete her registration into Gombe State University.
Umar writes and does house chores with her toes.
Based on the payment advice obtained by Sunday PUNCH, she recently obtained admission to study Economics at the varsity but has to pay N81,322.50 for school fees.
Pleading for assistance in an interview with journalists at the Correspondents’ Chapel, Umar said her parents did not have the resources to enable her to proceed in her academic pursuit, adding that she survived on alms from residents.
She said, “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.”
Umar disclosed that she was from a large family, adding that her father had eight children.
“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.
She maintained that she had chosen to see ability in her disability, noting that she practically did everything for herself without being a liability to anyone.
Umar said, “I feel happy that I have seen ability in my disability and whatever anybody can do with hand I can do with the leg.”
Interested Nigerians may donate to Umar’s Union Bank account: 0015749904.
