By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Sokoto
A visually impaired resident of Sokoto, Umar Muhammad, has revealed why he applied for a job with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) despite losing his sight to ritualists 18 years ago.
Muhammad, now 25, was attacked and blinded at the age of six in 2006. However, he refused to let the trauma halt his ambition. He completed his education, obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, and is currently a degree student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Speaking with Newsmen, Muhammad said he applied for the NIS job because the country’s disability employment policy guarantees persons with disabilities (PWDs) five percent of government recruitment opportunities.
“People may wonder why I applied to a law enforcement agency, but there are administrative and office-based roles that do not require field work,” he said.
He added that he is skilled in desktop operations and clerical work, stressing that the disability employment quota gives him confidence.
Muhammad disclosed that it was not his first attempt to secure public employment. He said he was previously offered an appointment under former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s administration, but it was cancelled by the present government alongside other appointments.
He has since reapplied and participated in the online exam for the current recruitment exercise for 3,000 positions across the state.
“By law, five percent of these positions about 150 slots should go to people with special needs. I am encouraged that the recruitment committee provided a dedicated PWD section in the application form. It shows commitment and raises our hope,” he said.
Muhammad described his education as extremely challenging due to the high cost of specialized learning tools required by visually impaired students.
He praised the Sokoto State Government for tuition support for indigenous students but said visually impaired learners require additional targeted assistance.
“The pen we use costs about ₦4,000 instead of the usual ₦200. A slate costs over ₦10,000 and our typewriter is nearly ₦60,000, with monthly servicing costs. I shoulder all these expenses myself,” he said, adding that physically demanding jobs are not an option, and he does not want to resort to begging.
Muhammad recalled that in 2008, a court ordered those responsible for blinding him to pay ₦11,868,000 after they reportedly admitted guilt. However, he said he has not received any compensation and the convicts allegedly regained freedom without explanation.
“I have accepted destiny, but I am still disturbed that justice has not been served,” he lamented.
Despite his circumstances, Muhammad remains determined.
“I want to work and contribute meaningfully to society. I will keep pushing because I believe the law will one day work for me,” he said.