Being Disabled isn't an Option not to be Resilient

In a region marked by bad governance and inadequate infrastructure to meet the needs of it’s citizens, this article tells the story on the struggle of Michael Showunmi. His story is one that evokes Resilience.

The Nigerian teacher is resilient and motivated to keep impacting knowledge regardless of the harsh circumstances. Being a Nigerian from birth, you must have felt the impact of teachers all my life. Painful enough, most of the teachers who provided the framework for our growth are those we must have lost contact with, probably because of location and other issues.

We have to acknowledge the hard truth that no country on earth will have any Human Resource capacity without the hard-work of the Hardworking Teachers. — Uchechukwu Ajuzieogu

In addressing the term ‘Disability’, we opined the definition from the Oxford Dictionary which defines Disability as “a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” According to the Australian Department of Communities they address the full overview of the term ‘Disability’. They state that a disability “is any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities.” The Disability Services Act (1993) defines ‘disability’ as meaning a disability:

• which is attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments
• which is permanent or likely to be permanent
• which may or may not be of a chronic or episodic nature
• which results in substantially reduced capacity of the person for communication, social interaction, learning or mobility and a need for continuing support services.

With the assistance of appropriate aids and services, the restrictions experienced by many people with a disability may be overcome.

Michael Showunmi — An Overview

His name is Showunmi Michael Thompson. He is physically challenged but he has a great aspiration to see Greatness in everyone. According to him telling us about the reason for his condition he stated: “I couldn’t walk after 2 years old.” Michael Showunmi life story evokes pity but he has learnt to make a building out of every stones life throws at him.

People often looked down on him and he lost a job where he had a 95% score card in an interview but he was never granted the job because of him being ‘Physically Challenged’. Michael Showunmi is a graduate of Chemical Engineering with CGPA of 4.21/5.00.

When asked why he loves teaching, he said: “I fell in love with teaching during and after my compulsory one year service NYSC.” During his days at NYSC, we were meant to understand that he taught Basic Technology, Basic Science and Physical Health Education. After his appointment in school, he started teaching Mathematics and Further Mathematics from JSS 1(year 6) to SS 3 (year 12).

Challenges — Made Me Who I am

People living with disabilities — whether hidden or visible — have hopes, dreams and frustrations just like everyone else. There are many struggles people with visible and hidden disabilities go through. We don’t claim to know every single thing everyone with a disability experiences, but we feel their pain. Michael Showunmi, elaborates on the challenges faced by him in achieving his life goals and aspirations.

“I climb stair case to and fro”. This is a very delicate situation, seeing that he is using clutches. Over the time he tell us he seldom has free periods (time) maybe once or none in a day. But regardless of all this, he was still 100% efficient that according to him “none of my students ever failed in any external examination”.

On his Teaching Strategy, he reiterates the he teaches and impacts knowledge with ease. Micheal Showunmi, started teaching around the schools in his community for free. When asked why he would go through this extreme strategy and effort, he answers: “because I want to see Greatness in every child”.

He associates himself even with beggars on the street, Inspiring them to see what they can do for themselves beyond begging. His job goes beyond the classroom as he has helped in building schools in his community with the little financial of his that he has. “I buy White Boards and Stationery to some schools to facilitate Education and make knowledge available to everyone in a conducive Environment”.

In March, he volunteered to teach in Success-Gate Schools in Alagbado Community in Lagos for just a day. “I wasn’t convenient with the board (in my mind) and I’m sure the students weren’t happy learning with that kind of board. So I made it a personal project to change one of the boards in the classrooms in future. Surprisingly, I bought and came to present a new marker Board to the school. The principal was so overwhelmed with joy till I left.

Next Project of Mine

According to Michael Showunmi, the next project he has in mind is to buy Sanitary Pads for the Girl Child to make them more convenient and comfortable in the class because most parent in the low income community cannot afford a sanitary pad.

Despite my moments and less time, none of my students ever failed in any external examination. — Michael Showunmi

Biggest Vision

Despite my odds, I will see that Education must thrive in Nigeria during my Lifetime. I believe with Education, we can change a Nation. All I want to see, is a New Nigeria.