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Abiola Fetuga, a physically challenged student at Tai Solarin University, Ogun State speaks with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about the pivotal moment at the age of 24 when his physical capabilities changed
At what age did the incident resulting in your physical disability occur?
My name is Abiola Fetuga. I am from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
I am an Afrobeat artist. I was 24 years old then, and I turned 32 this year. The incident happened in 2016, on my birthday, which was May 8, 2016. I went to school that morning, and as I was about to leave, I discovered that my legs were shaking, and I couldn’t walk very well. I thought it was just normal malaria symptoms. I struggled to take a bike home. When I got home, I realised I couldn’t even get down from the bike. I struggled to get inside and I met my stepmother, who suggested I take a tonic, which I did. I rested that evening, but waking up on May 9th, I couldn’t do anything anymore. I couldn’t even stand up from the bed. It was as if my legs were stiff.
What level were you in school when the incident happened?
I was in the 200 level then. We had just finished the 200-level second-semester exam and were about to resume the 300 level.
Which school?
Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State.
Did you seek medical intervention?
Yes, I did. I was rushed to the state hospital in Ijebu-Ode. It was on a weekend, so they said we should wait until Monday. On Monday, the doctor came to my room, and after examining me, he told me that I was fine medically and that nothing was wrong with me. So medically, they could not determine what was wrong. I couldn’t use my legs to walk anymore.
Did the doctor say anything else?
They said I was medically fine. They couldn’t diagnose anything. We were advised to seek spiritual help, which we did. The herbalists, pastors, and clerics all did their thing, but I still couldn’t use my legs.
What actions were initiated following the spiritual consultation?
From that May, I stayed at home, lying on the bed for four to five months without moving my body at all. I couldn’t eat or drink. The only thing functioning in my body was my ears, which meant whenever people I knew or had talked to before came to visit me, I would recognise them through their voices. I was partially blind and couldn’t see anyone because my eyes were closed all the time.
How many years have you been battling this now?
Since May 2016, so that’s nine years now, and I have been using a wheelchair ever since.
What about your parents?
My parents tried their best. My mum came that morning of the incident and took me to the hospital. She and my dad weren’t together, but she came around.
Do you have siblings?
Yes, I do. I am the first child. I have eight siblings from my dad and two from my mum.
What challenges have you encountered since the incident occurred?
It was very difficult at the start, and even now, it’s still difficult. But I see it as less difficult now. When it happened, I hardly went out because I didn’t want anybody to see me using the wheelchair. One Friday afternoon, my brothers and friends who were taking care of me in my area decided that I must come outside. That was the first day I saw the sun since May that year. Since then, they advised me to visit the physiotherapy section twice a week. With the wheelchair, I started going outside because the church I was staying in was not far from the hospital. We would just walk down to the hospital. I usually cried because one day I encountered something I thought would never happen to me in my life.
What was it?
Someone thought that I was one of the street beggars and approached me with a N20 note. I couldn’t say anything but burst into tears. My friend, who was with me, encouraged me. He told me that everything would be fine.
What happened next?
When I got home, I explained to my mum. She went outside, came back with a barber, and asked the barber to give me a nice haircut, stating that I should look different from the beggars. The barber did his job, and since then, my mum started getting me designer clothes and nice clothes. She said that when I go out, people would see that I am different from beggars and respect me. What my mum did boosted my confidence.
Are you still in school?
Yes, I am back to school now. I am currently in my final year. Around 2019, I decided to go back to finish my programme. The school authority said that since none of my family or friends came to request a leave of absence, I would have to pay for five or six years of sessions that I didn’t attend. I decided that instead of wasting money on those sessions, I could start afresh. So, I sat for JAMB, passed, and started all over again from the 100 level.
During those periods you didn’t show up at school, what happened?
There was no way I could go to school when the incident happened. it was difficult.
What course are you studying?
I’m studying Library and Information Science and I am in my final year.
Are you in a relationship?
It has been difficult, with ups and downs. I was in a relationship before the incident, but due to my condition, it ended. She left without a trace. During this wheelchair journey, I’ve had more than two relationships. I’ve had a two-day relationship before and a one-week relationship, so I just felt nobody wanted to be with somebody like me.
Do you have anything you do for a living?
I do research and assignments for students.
So, are you the one in charge of sponsoring your education?
Yes, I am.
What kind of support have you received from your family?
If I am sponsoring myself to school, it’s because I have reasons. I have a passion for education. In 2017, I told everyone I wanted to go back to school. By 2019-2020, I realised that my family was not ready to support me. They said business was meant for me, but they weren’t ready to do anything about it. So, I decided to go to school. At first, I took a loan for my education, processed my admission, and used the rest of the money to start a POS business. After class, I go to my POS stand. I was using an umbrella. That’s how I have been juggling that business with my schooling.
When did you start that POS business?
It was in 2020. It was during the COVID-19 outbreak.
You also mentioned that you are an Afrobeat artist. How long have you been an artist?
Since 2018, though I’ve not been consistent because music is very expensive. I have a passion for entertainment, and I believe I can do well in it. I have many of my songs on Audiomack.
Based on your experiences, what prevalent misconceptions do people hold regarding people living with physical disabilities?
This is one reason I decided to go back to school. People should see us as capable individuals. Even with my condition, I wash clothes, sweep, cook, and do many things. People should not see us as different from them because, even with our disability, there are so many abilities.
Do you have role models who inspire you?
Yinka Ayefele is my role model. I admired him so much, even before I started using a wheelchair. I used to feel that someone in his condition could still do great things.
What are your future aspirations?
If God is willing, if I have the support and funds, I will go fully into music. I also want to proceed with my Master’s degree.
What can other people with disabilities learn from you?
They should learn not to give up. I’ve heard things like, “People like you end up on the streets begging for help.” I don’t beg people, and I don’t wish to. My legs are holding me back, not my hands. If I can do some legit business, why not? I have ventured into the dry-cleaning business before. Basically, no legit business that will fetch me money is beyond me. Just be yourself, have a strong mind, and you can do it. If you dream of something, try to achieve it. If you fail, try again. I have failed many times, but it does not stop me.
Is there a memorable experience that you would like to share?
I can never forget the day I started this wheelchair journey. I woke up in the morning, walked out of the house, and crawled back inside in the evening. It is a memory I will never forget.
Is there something someone has said to you that hurt you deeply?
In 2021, one of my brothers in church had a wedding. I attended as one of the groomsmen. After the ceremony, I went outside for fresh air. A lady was passing by, and her handkerchief fell. I called her attention, saying, “Sister, sister.” She turned around, gave me a funny look, and said, “Even you want to toast me?” I was shocked. A woman beside me told her that I was trying to call her attention to her handkerchief. My friends almost fought her for embarrassing me. Before then, I had a mindset that I would get married, but since that incident, I have doubted if I will ever have someone of my own.
How have you been coping with these challenges?
If I were always alone, I am not sure I would be alive today. Having friends around me has helped me immensely.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for my family and friends, at least they’ve been able to help me in the way they can. They have always supported me and helped me through tough times. My mum has been especially amazing, doing small things to boost my confidence, like making sure I look good. My friends have encouraged me to go out and stay social, which has made a big difference in my life. I am also thankful for the chance to continue my education.
Even though I had to start over, being able to go to school and work towards my degree in Library and Information Science means a lot to me. Education gives me hope and a goal to work towards. It shows that my disability does not stop me from learning and achieving. Another thing I am grateful for is my love for music. As an Afrobeat artist, music helps me express myself and connect with others. Even though making music can be expensive and difficult, it brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment. Lastly, I am thankful for the strength and resilience I have gained from living with a disability. This journey has taught me to be patient and to keep trying, no matter what. It has also made me more understanding and compassionate towards others who have their challenges. These experiences have made me stronger and more determined, and for that, I am very thankful.
