Lecturers, Lawyers Hail Deaf Law Graduate Danjuma For Academic Exploits

Academicians, senior lawyers, and disability advocates have applauded the exploits of a hearing-impaired Law graduate, Nehemiah Danjuma, who was recently called to the Bar.

Danjuma, an indigene of Kaduna State, did his undergraduate Law programme at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Some lecturers at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ilorin, lawyers and disability rights advocates who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend on the exploits of Danjuma, described his academic journey as highly ambitious, inspiring and a product of focus and determination.

The dean, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Prof Bashir Omipidan, said:” On Danjuma, I am really short of words.

But Danjuma’s story aligns with the fact that whatever Allah has destined to happen will happen.

“It is also an affirmation of the fact that there’s ability in disability.  The University of Ilorin has consistently given priority to the deaf, blind, or other physically challenged persons.

“I personally taught Danjuma, and throughout his undergraduate days, he demonstrated resilience and determination. I am therefore not surprised that he is a lawyer today.

“I thank Allah that it is also happening during my time as the Dean of the Faculty.

“Congratulations to Danjuma; more wins, In sha Allah. Congratulations to the University of Ilorin for providing an enabling environment for all, including the physically challenged, such as Danjuma.

“To the Faculty of Law staff, thank you for not seeing Danjuma as a physically challenged person. Thank you for providing him with all the support he needed while in the faculty.”

‎‎Another senior Law lecturer at the university, Prof Oba AbdulHameed, simply enthused, “Danjuma’s academic journey is highly inspiring.”

‎A former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Kwara State, Kehinde Eleja (SAN) said: “It’s gratifying to hear that a person with hearing impairment had passed through the rigorous process of being admitted to the Nigerian Bar. It is a testament to the fact that with determination and dedication, physical challenges can be surmounted to achieve set goals in life.

‎”Importantly, it makes a case for further opportunities for the physically challenged both in terms of facilities for training and employment so as to encourage others with physical challenges.

‎”This call is in conformity with the provisions of Sections 18, 28 and 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.”

‎On her part, a disability rights advocate and founder of Jibore Impeccable Foundation, Mrs Joy Ajibore said: “This is an open door to other Deaf people who have the ambition to become lawyers like him. They should learn from his courage that everything is possible for a determined mind.

‎”Our institutions should also become more inclusive to enable more Deaf people to study law and make their dream a reality.”