How I bagged 1st class degree despite vision impairment – Geologist

Yasir Aminu Buba, 23, from Gusau, Zamfara State is a graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.

In this interview with Caliphate Trust, he explained how he was able to bag a first-class degree in Geology despite suffering from night blindness.

Tell us briefly about yourself.

My name is Yasir Aminu Buba.

I am a graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

I read Geology at the university.

When I got admission, I didn’t know what the course was all about.

Initially, I had wanted to read Pharmacy but I couldn’t secure admission into that department.

I was offered Biochemistry but I rejected it and later settled for Geology.

What challenges did you encounter during your study?

I faced a lot of challenges.

First it was vision impairment.

This started right from my primary school days.

Sometimes, I don’t see things written on the board.

A teacher would be writing on the board but I won’t see the writing.

So instead, I would be concentrating on what he was saying.

Later I will get notes from my colleagues and peruse them.

How do you read notes in books?

I can read notes in books with bright light but if it is on a board, I can’t see them especially in a big lecture hall where hundreds of students are packed, and moreso if I’m not lucky to get a front seat.

I can tell you that I largely depend on verbal teaching but not what a teacher would scribble on the board.

What eye ailment are you suffering from?

My sight impairment is called Retinitis Pigmentosa, otherwise known as night blindness.

No matter how little darkness is in a place I can’t see any object or writing.

So far, I am yet to have actual medical solution to the problem but I am still searching.

How did you bag a first class degree despite having vision impairment?

Well, it was all about dedication and prayer.

I can tell you that I have been a very studious person right from my childhood.

I have been taking the first position consistently right from my primary and secondary school days.

When I secured admission into the university, I didn’t go there with the intention of getting a first class degree. However, when our first-semester level 01 result was out my GPA was 4.77.

I then realised that I could bag a first-class degree.

That encouraged me and I doubled my effort to maintain the position.

Apart from that, my parents were solidly behind me and they gave me all the necessary support, be it financial or otherwise.

My father is not all that rich but he could sacrifice everything for us to get a good education.

What is your ambition in life?

If things go as expected, I will like to go for my Master’s degree,  but if that is not feasible I will wait at least for now.

If I get a job I will take it but if I get a scholarship, I will want to further my studies.

What is your advice to young people like you?

Education is the key to success.

Therefore, young people in this country should make sure that they get a good education.

That will give them the key that will open doors of opportunities.