LASU physically-challenged student seeks help

A 200-level student of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Mr Kareem Abayomi, is on the verge of dropping out of school, due to lack of funding.

In a Save-Our-Soul letter to the government and well-meaning individuals, Abayomi, who is crippled in one leg, narrated that not only is his studentship in danger, but also that he is unable to feed anymore.

The brilliant Abayomi, presently on a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.69, said he sought public help as due to the harsh economic situation of the country, those who used to assist him now have their resources strained.

Lamenting that he was sinking into mental depression, Abayomi said his daily living has gone worse as he now goes days without food let alone being able to afford tuition fees or house rent.

The SOS read, “My name is Kareem Abayomi. I am from Imeko in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area in Ogun State. I am walking on a pair of crutches because I am crippled on one leg. I am a 200-level student at Lagos State University, Ojo. I am studying English Education. I am currently on a 4.69 (out of 5.0) CGPA.

“In the year 2022, some kind hearted people registered me for the West African Secondary School Examination (WASSCE for private candidates). I took the examination at Reverend Kuti Memorial College, Isabo, Abeokuta.

By the mercy of God, “I had CRS A1, English B3, Literature in English B3, Government B3, Civic Education B3, Economics B3, Yoruba D7, and Mathematics E8. That was eight years after I left secondary school!

“I was registered for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2023, and by the grace of God, I had 270 scores. I chose Lagos State University on the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal. I chose English Education as my course of study as a result of my passion for education and love for English. I was given admission and the course I registered for.

“Interestingly, as God would have it, I had a Grade Point Average of 4.90 out of 5.0 in my 100-level first-semester examination. In the second semester, I had a 4.48 out of 5.0 GPA. As a result, I am currently on a 4.69 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

“However, my studentship is currently in danger because I have no resources or support to sustain it. The people who sponsored my admission, due to the harsh economic situation, cannot continue any longer. Daily living conditions have gone from worse to terrible. I can hardly eat one meal a day, let alone be able to afford tuition fees, house rent (which is about to expire), textbooks, as well as meeting some other basic needs. On many occasions, I have gone three days without eating when I am not fasting. I am on one of such runs now.

“Unfortunately, even if I say I should withdraw, ignoring how far I have come, and go back home, I lost my mother this year in January while I was preparing to move to school. So there is nobody to go back to. And with my physical challenge, I cannot engage in any demanding labour that can fetch me money for survival. The thought of all this is eating deep into my mental health, as I am sinking into depression by the day.

“Honestly speaking, I want to continue and finish my education. But I must confess that I have reached the breaking point presently. This is a do-or-die situation.

“Therefore, I am using this medium to appeal to the Ogun State government, Lagos State government, Federal government, non-governmental organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to come to my rescue.”