Despite health issues, a young Nigerian lady graduated from Unilag with a first-class degree.
A recent Unilag alumna resorted to social media to promote what she perceived as proof of her education.
Joy alleges she got admitted to the University of Lagos despite having Avascular Necrosis of the Hipbone as a result of Sickle cell problems.
Doctors warned her that unless she underwent hip replacement surgery, she would never be able to walk on her own again.
She explained how difficult it was for her to balance schooling and doctor’s appointments.
Joy switched to a less demanding path of study at one time, but she is now a proud First Class Degree recipient.
Read her Testimony below;
Entering Unilag with 6 Legs and Graduating with my 2 Legs will forever be a Testimony to me and my family….
I got admission into Unilag when I had a Sickle Cell complication- Avascular Necrosis of the hipbone. My doctors said I could never walk on my own until I have a hip replacement surgery on both hips. Hence they moved me from using crutches to using a walking frame.
Throughout my 100level, I would walk to class and lab practicals with the walking frame, in pain and in shame. I can’t even take a cab because the frame was heavy and the cab men dint have the patience to wait for the process of folding it… etc
It took a toll on me socially, mentally and physically. Other students would stare at me on the road. Some got close to offer help, and even became friends in the long run. Some just stared and walked past.
It was a struggle. Battling with sickle cell and having to study in Unilag was an extreme sport. The constant stress had a huge effect on my health. It was so bad that I had to change my course of study in my second year to a less stressful one
I have been in and out of the hospitals so many times for sickle cell crises. Unilag medical center was almost like my second home at some point. The pain just springs up from nowhere and there were times I had to be rushed at midnight from the hostel to the medical center
I remember writing my 100level exams on the hospital bed! Heck, I wrote almost every exam at the hospital. Writing lab reports and doing my assignments there sometimes too. I made up my mind to stop using crotches even if it will take me to limp and feel the pain
I am thankful for a few of friends and most importantly, my MOM and sisters, who constantly remind me to take care of myself, take my drugs, drink plenty of water, avoid stress and cold. Lol. People always wondered why I carried big handbags everywhere.
I couldn’t go anywhere without at least two bottles of water, a jacket, and socks. The scars on my body are a result of allergic reactions to an injection they give me during a pain crisis. Imagine having to choose between having flawless skin or being relieved of pain
I am most grateful to Almighty God for seeing me through my degree. It could only be him. In all of these, I graduated from the University of Lagos with a FIRST CLASS DEGREE
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