Muneera Muhammed Tukur was born with spina bifida, a complex spinal cord malformation.
Her diagnosis could have dictated her destiny, confining her to a life of limitations and societal sympathetic glances. But her parent’s unyielding spirit and unrelenting determination refused to be bound by the constraints of her condition.
Her parents were advised to spare her the agony of living with such disability through “Mercy Killing, ” but they rejected the idea.
Instead, they chose to shatter the expectations and craft a life that would inspire multitudes for Muneera.
Muhammad Tukur, a medical doctor and father of Muneera recalls the challenges his family faced when she was born.
“She is my first child,born in 2001. I was a young medical doctor then,at that time there was no place to do standard ultrasound here in Sokoto. We had a visiting doctor, Dr Omole who usually comes.
Tukur told THE WHISTLER how the doctor alerted him of what is called “lemon sign” which means detecting a defect in pregnancy at its early stage,which can be corrected with higher doses of folic acid.
He said Muneera was born with Hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain, and a heavy growth on her back .He recount how he was advised to consider euthanasia (mercy killing), but he refused.
According to him,he believed that every life is precious, and he was determined to give her a chance to live.
He said a lot of things encouraged him in Muneera’s case apart from his medical background he also believed that God has a reason for everything otherwise the neural defect could have been detected early and corrected, Tukur added.
Muneera’s parents unwavering support and belief in her abilities have made all the difference, and her story is an inspiration to many.
The family’s experience has also highlighted the need for greater support and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
They believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of persons with disabilities and that government policies should prioritise their inclusion.
In an interview with THE WHISTLER, Tukur narrated how he enrolled Muneera into King’s and Queen’s College in Sokoto but have to change her school at a certain time when the school decided to erect storey buildings.
She finished her primary and secondary education with one of the best results in the state.
“We could not enrol her into the conventional university because of her condition so we decided to enrol her In the open University .
“She has the capacity of studying any course in the university because her grades were strong but I made a choice for her to study something that will bring her closer to her God, so she studied Islamic studies apart from that she has memories of the holy Quran.
“Her first two years of university education involved computer-based CBT exams. However, in her third and fourth years (UG3 and UG4), the university switched to traditional ‘pen and paper’ exams.
“Unfortunately, the school’s infrastructure posed a significant challenge for Muneera, as there were three flights of stairs with no provisions for people with disabilities.
“Her mother could not carry her to class, so I had to lift her myself. I would carry her to the classroom, then return for her wheelchair, waiting for her to finish her exams.
“Managing her needs was easier when she was younger, but as she grew older and heavier, it became increasingly difficult.”
The Discrimination Against Persons Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 is a landmark legislation in Nigeria that aims to promote the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in various areas, including education, healthcare, employment, and access to public spaces.
It establishes the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which has as part of its mandate, to provide accommodations and accessibility features in public buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities to ensure equal access for persons with disabilities.
Despite the Act, individuals like Muneera continue to face challenges in accessing their rights and privileges.
The Act, although a significant step towards promoting inclusion, has several gaps in its implementation and enforcement.
But Muneera refused to be limited by her disability, despite the odds, she defied expectations and achieved greatness, inspiring many individuals with her determination and resilience.
A graduate from the National Open University with a degree in Islamic Studies has become an advocate for persons with disabilities, particularly girls and women.
Muneera emphasized on the urgent need for enhancing the quality of education for people with with disabilities.
She said that providing accessibility, assistive devices, trained special teachers, and more special schools with a suitable environment is crucial for their empowerment.