Maryam Umar, a remarkable 26-year-old who was born without both arms, has successfully graduated from the Department of Economics at Gombe State University. Her academic journey was made possible through a generous scholarship of N1.68 million awarded by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after her inspiring story was highlighted by Punch Newspapers.

Maryam's educational aspirations faced significant hurdles when she secured admission to Gombe State University in 2023, following her completion of secondary education in 2022 and scoring 182 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). However, financial constraints loomed large as her family struggled to afford the N81,322.50 required for her registration and school fees. In a heartfelt plea, she reached out to the public and various organizations for assistance, emphasizing her desire not to let poverty derail her dreams.

The publication of her plight in Punch Newspapers caught the attention of ASUU, leading to an investigation into her situation by the union's leadership. Professor Lawal Abubakar, the then Zonal Coordinator for Bauchi Zone of ASUU, confirmed that the national leadership directed the Gombe State University branch to verify Maryam's circumstances. Following this verification, ASUU pledged to support her throughout her university education, covering not only her tuition but also her living expenses.

The scholarship provided by ASUU was designed to encompass all aspects of Maryam's academic life, including feeding, transportation, and academic allowances. This comprehensive support also included assistive devices tailored to her needs, such as a voice recorder, specialized furniture, and a laptop. Additionally, Maryam received N130,000 each semester to help with her daily expenses.

Reflecting on her journey, Maryam expressed profound gratitude to her family, friends, and ASUU for their unwavering support. In a heartfelt message shared after her graduation, she stated, "I’m grateful to those who made this dream a reality. I thank you all from ASUU, to others numerous to mention for standing by me these past years. May your Allah reward you all with paradise."

Dr. Suleiman Jauro, the former Chairperson of ASUU GSU, praised Maryam's determination and resilience, urging others with disabilities to pursue their dreams. He highlighted the crucial role that journalism played in bringing Maryam's situation to light, noting that without the initial report by Punch Newspapers, her story might not have reached those in a position to help.

Maryam's graduation not only marks a significant personal achievement but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of community support, institutional intervention, and the determination of individuals to overcome adversity. Her journey underscores the importance of accessibility and support for persons living with disabilities in education and beyond.