RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
Twenty-six-year-old Maryam Umar, who was born without both arms, has graduated with a degree in Economics from Gombe State University after completing her studies with the support of a four-year scholarship from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
Maryam’s journey through university began under difficult financial circumstances after she secured admission to study Economics but struggled to raise the money required for registration and other academic expenses.
She completed secondary school in 2022 and subsequently scored 182 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, earning admission to Gombe State University.
Her university ambition was threatened when her family could not raise the ₦81,322.50 required at the time for registration and related fees.
Maryam, who writes with her toes and uses her feet to perform several everyday tasks, appealed for assistance to enable her to continue her education.
Her situation eventually attracted the attention of ASUU. The union’s leadership directed its Gombe State University branch to verify her circumstances before approving financial support.
Following the assessment, ASUU awarded Maryam a scholarship valued at ₦1.68 million to support her throughout the four-year programme.
Former Bauchi Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Lawal Abubakar, said the intervention covered registration fees, feeding, transportation and other academic expenses.
The union also provided assistive equipment to make studying easier for her.
Former ASUU Gombe State University branch chairman, Dr Suleiman Jauro, said Maryam received a voice recorder, specialised table and chair, and a laptop to support her academic work.
She was also provided with a ₦130,000 stipend each semester to assist with feeding and other educational needs.
Jauro described Maryam’s achievement as an example of determination and resilience, while encouraging persons living with disabilities to continue pursuing their ambitions despite the challenges they may encounter.
After years of study and support, Maryam has now completed her Economics degree.
Celebrating the achievement, she expressed gratitude to ASUU, her family, friends and others who contributed to her education.
“I’m grateful to those who made this dream a reality,” she said, also praying for those who supported her throughout her studies.
Maryam’s graduation marks the completion of a journey that began with uncertainty over whether she could afford university education and ended with her earning a degree from Gombe State University.
