My name is Hamza Alhassan. I was born and raised in Kaduna State and currently live in Zaria. I lost my father at a young age and was raised by my mother. Growing up was not easy, especially after I became deaf. When I was seven years old, in Primary 2, I fell seriously ill with meningitis. The illness affected my hearing and left me deaf. I was hospitalized for seven months. Due to financial hardship, my family struggled to pay medical bills, and I did not receive full medical support. That period was painful and confusing for me as a child.
At first, I did not fully understand what it meant to be deaf. But as time passed, I began to realize that my life had changed.
Communication became difficult. I felt isolated and different from other children. There were moments of sadness and frustration. However, I never allowed myself to completely give up. Even when life felt unfair, I held on to hope. My turning point came when I decided that my disability would not define my future. Education became my weapon.
In 2009, I gained admission into the Federal College of Education, Zaria (now Federal University of Education, Zaria) under the part-time program. Initially, the school management told me to go to another institution because they did not have a Special Education department. That was discrimination. But I stood my ground and insisted on my right to study there. With the support of the Part-Time Program Coordinator, I was eventually admitted. That moment strengthened my confidence and self-belief.
Yes, there were times when people questioned my faith or made me feel like my condition was a punishment. But I never believed that. I see my life as a test, not a punishment. My faith gave me strength to move forward. The most challenging part of my journey has been systemic discrimination, especially in employment. In 2015, teaching slots were approved for deaf graduates in Kaduna State, but I lost my opportunity due to corruption. Later, I passed another aptitude test for a teaching job, yet my slot was replaced. These experiences were painful, but they did not break me. I have accepted myself fully as a Person with a Disability. I do not wait for healing to live my life. I live with purpose now.
Living with a disability has given me strength, patience, and a deeper understanding of injustice. It has made me more passionate about inclusion and equal rights. I understand what it means to be excluded, so I advocate for fairness. Regarding marriage, I once planned to get engaged in 2013, but family challenges led to the cancellation. That experience was difficult. However, I still believe in marriage and partnership. My philosophy is simple: mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance are more important than perfection.
Today, I am passionate about social justice and inclusion because I have experienced discrimination firsthand; in education, employment, and society. What people often misunderstand about Persons with Disabilities is that we are not incapable. We simply need equal opportunity, not pity. The biggest barrier I face today is not my deafness; it is society’s attitude and lack of accessibility.
If I could give one piece of advice to a young Person with a Disability, it would be this: Never allow society to define your limits. Your disability does not cancel your destiny. Community and advocacy organizations are very important. They provide support, awareness, and a voice for those who are often ignored. No one should fight alone. My hope is to see a Nigeria where inclusion is not charity but a right, where ability is recognized beyond disability.
Hamza Alhassan Dantata Kudaru
At first, I did not fully understand what it meant to be deaf. But as time passed, I began to realize that my life had changed.
Communication became difficult. I felt isolated and different from other children. There were moments of sadness and frustration. However, I never allowed myself to completely give up. Even when life felt unfair, I held on to hope. My turning point came when I decided that my disability would not define my future. Education became my weapon.
In 2009, I gained admission into the Federal College of Education, Zaria (now Federal University of Education, Zaria) under the part-time program. Initially, the school management told me to go to another institution because they did not have a Special Education department. That was discrimination. But I stood my ground and insisted on my right to study there. With the support of the Part-Time Program Coordinator, I was eventually admitted. That moment strengthened my confidence and self-belief.
Yes, there were times when people questioned my faith or made me feel like my condition was a punishment. But I never believed that. I see my life as a test, not a punishment. My faith gave me strength to move forward. The most challenging part of my journey has been systemic discrimination, especially in employment. In 2015, teaching slots were approved for deaf graduates in Kaduna State, but I lost my opportunity due to corruption. Later, I passed another aptitude test for a teaching job, yet my slot was replaced. These experiences were painful, but they did not break me. I have accepted myself fully as a Person with a Disability. I do not wait for healing to live my life. I live with purpose now.
Living with a disability has given me strength, patience, and a deeper understanding of injustice. It has made me more passionate about inclusion and equal rights. I understand what it means to be excluded, so I advocate for fairness. Regarding marriage, I once planned to get engaged in 2013, but family challenges led to the cancellation. That experience was difficult. However, I still believe in marriage and partnership. My philosophy is simple: mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance are more important than perfection.
Today, I am passionate about social justice and inclusion because I have experienced discrimination firsthand; in education, employment, and society. What people often misunderstand about Persons with Disabilities is that we are not incapable. We simply need equal opportunity, not pity. The biggest barrier I face today is not my deafness; it is society’s attitude and lack of accessibility.
If I could give one piece of advice to a young Person with a Disability, it would be this: Never allow society to define your limits. Your disability does not cancel your destiny. Community and advocacy organizations are very important. They provide support, awareness, and a voice for those who are often ignored. No one should fight alone. My hope is to see a Nigeria where inclusion is not charity but a right, where ability is recognized beyond disability.
Hamza Alhassan Dantata Kudaru