Muneera Muhammed Tukur was born with spina bifida, a complex spinal cord malformation.

Her diagnosis could have dictated her destiny, confining her to a life of limitations and societal sympathetic glances. But her parent’s unyielding spirit and unrelenting determination refused to be bound by the constraints of her condition.

Her parents were advised to spare her the agony of living with such disability through “Mercy Killing, ” but they rejected the idea.

Instead, they chose to shatter the expectations and craft a life that would inspire multitudes for Muneera.

Muhammad Tukur, a medical doctor and father of Muneera recalls the challenges his family faced when she was born.

“She is my first child,born in 2001. I was a young medical doctor then,at that time there was no place to do standard ultrasound here in Sokoto. We had a visiting doctor, Dr Omole who usually comes.

Tukur told THE WHISTLER how the doctor alerted him of what is called “lemon sign” which means detecting a defect in pregnancy at its early stage,which can be corrected with higher doses of folic acid.

He said Muneera was born with Hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain, and a heavy growth on her back .He recount how he was advised to consider euthanasia (mercy killing), but he refused.

According to him,he believed that every life is precious, and he was determined to give her a chance to live.

He said a lot of things encouraged him in Muneera’s case apart from his medical background he also believed that God has a reason for everything otherwise the neural defect could have been detected early and corrected, Tukur added.

Muneera’s parents unwavering support and belief in her abilities have made all the difference, and her story is an inspiration to many.

The family’s experience has also highlighted the need for greater support and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

They believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of persons with disabilities and that government policies should prioritise their inclusion.

In an interview with THE WHISTLER, Tukur narrated how he enrolled Muneera into King’s and Queen’s College in Sokoto but have to change her school at a certain time when the school decided to erect storey buildings.

She finished her primary and secondary education with one of the best results in the state.

“We could not enrol her into the conventional university because of her condition so we decided to enrol her In the open University .

“She has the capacity of studying any course in the university because her grades were strong but I made a choice for her to study something that will bring her closer to her God, so she studied Islamic studies apart from that she has memories of the holy Quran.

“Her first two years of university education involved computer-based CBT exams. However, in her third and fourth years (UG3 and UG4), the university switched to traditional ‘pen and paper’ exams.

“Unfortunately, the school’s infrastructure posed a significant challenge for Muneera, as there were three flights of stairs with no provisions for people with disabilities.

“Her mother could not carry her to class, so I had to lift her myself. I would carry her to the classroom, then return for her wheelchair, waiting for her to finish her exams.

“Managing her needs was easier when she was younger, but as she grew older and heavier, it became increasingly difficult.”

The Discrimination Against Persons Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 is a landmark legislation in Nigeria that aims to promote the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in various areas, including education, healthcare, employment, and access to public spaces.

It establishes the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which has as part of its mandate, to provide accommodations and accessibility features in public buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities to ensure equal access for persons with disabilities.

Despite the Act, individuals like Muneera continue to face challenges in accessing their rights and privileges.

The Act, although a significant step towards promoting inclusion, has several gaps in its implementation and enforcement.

But Muneera refused to be limited by her disability, despite the odds, she defied expectations and achieved greatness, inspiring many individuals with her determination and resilience.

A graduate from the National Open University with a degree in Islamic Studies has become an advocate for persons with disabilities, particularly girls and women.

Muneera emphasized on the urgent need for enhancing the quality of education for people with with disabilities.

She said that providing accessibility, assistive devices, trained special teachers, and more special schools with a suitable environment is crucial for their empowerment.

According to her, this empowerment is a vital key to reducing street begging, as many people with disabilities come from low-income families and face the added burden of expensive care, regardless of their specific disability.

She told THE WHISTLER how difficult it is for someone like her who uses a wheelchair to navigate a school with no ramps or elevators.

“Or how hard it is for a blind student to learn without braille books or assistive devices. Therefore they need schools that are designed for them, not against them.”

She said that empowering people with disabilities means giving them the tools to succeed, to become independent, and to contribute to society.

” It means recognizing that our disabilities do not define us, and that we have so much to offer. We just need a chance to shine.”

Muneera’s story emphasises the importance of addressing the existing gaps and challenges to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and privileges.

Despite her challenges, Muneera thrived. She underwent several surgeries and faced many hurdles, but her determination and courage inspired those around her.

Today, Muneera is a role model for many. She runs an NGO that empowers girls and women with disabilities and has become a sought-after speaker and advocate.

As an advocate for people with disabilities, She noted that in the northern part of Nigeria there is the notion that if you are disabled you are just meant to beg or stay indoors and the most affected people among persons with disability are girls and women.
So, she created an NGO on girls and women with disabilities.

“I attended a training in Abuja were I interacted with different females who were disable, so I realised that there is a huge work because we are far left behind and being in this journey I want to use myself as an example to inspire other people with disabilities”

Muneera’s story is a testament to the ability in disability and a reminder that life is full of trials and tribulations, but with courage and determination, anyone can overcome them.