Among the graduates from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) at the seventh session of its 56th congregation last Friday was Dr Nyani Ayamba, the first visually impaired doctoral graduate from UCC.
Dr Nyani Ayamba, a native of Pusiga in the Upper East Region, graduated with a doctorate in guidance and counselling.
He received a prize of US$2,000 from the chancellor of the university, Sir Sam Jonah.
Two people living with disability graduated with doctoral degrees at the session.
The other physically challenged person, Dr Wisdom Quaiku, graduated with a doctoral degree in development studies.
In an interview later, Dr Ayamba, told Graphic Online that he lost his sight in an accident in August 1995.
Consequently, he said he had to undertake his Ordinary level studies in braille at the Presbyterian Training College in Akropong.
Following rehabilitation at the School for the Blind at Akropong, Dr Ayamba said he pursued further education at the UCC after completing teacher training college in 1999.
He was then assigned to teach at the junior high school at Ntonso for two years before enrolling at UCC in 2001 for his first degree, completing in 2004 with a degree in English and psychology.
Following this, he said, he was posted to Mampong Technical College of Education to teach English. After another three years, he returned to UCC to pursue his Master of Philosophy in guidance and counselling.
In 2016, he returned to UCC to pursue a doctoral degree, also in guidance and counselling.
Dr Ayamba stated that his journey was marked by prayers and determination. He advised parents of children with disabilities to prioritise education, noting the availability of numerous disability schools in Ghana.
Seek support
He emphasised that the social welfare department, organisations such as the Ghana Blind Union and various agencies which support the physically challenged are all available to help, and he urged PWDs to contact such bodies for direction and support.
Dr Ayamba suggested that parents of children with disabilities should send them to rehabilitation and examination centres to assess their capabilities and determine suitable educational settings, whether inclusive, mainstream or special schools.
He believes that such efforts will help individuals with disabilities recognise their potential, pursue their interests, and contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, nation and the world at large.
Dr. Ayamba acknowledged the challenges he faced on his journey but credited his achievements to prayer and determination.
He also expressed gratitude to the University of Cape Coast for providing a comfortable and accessible environment for his studies.
In another interview, Dr Wisdom Quaiku also told Graphic Online that he became paralyzed in 1986.
Initially, he said, he was not interested in school. However, his parents motivated him until he reached tertiary level education, where he realised the potential for personal growth through schooling.
He said though the journey had not been easy, it had also been exciting.
Dr. Qauiku acknowledged that society had placed numerous obstacles in the path of people with disabilities, making it difficult for them to progress, but he encouraged them to strive to pursue their dreams in spite of the challenges, saying that perseverance is the key to overcoming challenges.
Disability-friendly policies
He appealed for implementation policies which will ensure that persons with disabilities can access basic necessities.
He also implored the government to provide scholarships for individuals with disabilities in the secondary institutions, so that when they compete school, they no longer have to rely on government support.
Jonah’s advice
Earlier in session, the Chancellor of UCC, Sir Sam E Jonah, urged UCC to continue its rich traditions and embrace innovative thinking and learning while making postgraduate programmes more accessible to all.
He said that UCC remains a vibrant community where scholars, educators and students collaborate to solve social challenges, foster innovative ideas and awaken minds and advised the graduands to reflect on what they had gained and impact on society.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, said the university would continue to strive to maintain its standards of excellence in higher education for meaningful social impact.
He advised the graduands to make a positive impact in their fields of endeavour.
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