People tell me my wife is beautiful — Visually impaired lecturer
People tell me my wife is beautiful — Visually impaired lecturer
Tolulope Aluko, a lecturer and the President of the Association of Technology-Inclined Visually Impaired Persons of Nigeria, speaks to BABATUNDE TITILOLA about his personal experience with visual impairment, the obstacles encountered, and the association’s initiatives to aid its members despite government indifference
Can you share a bit about yourself, your family background, and where you were raised?
National Diploma and Higher National Diploma. Blind people’s heightened auditory senses aided my concentration. Afterward, I joined the Federal College of Education, Special in Oyo State as a lecturer before pursuing my Master’s at Lead City University.
During your schooling years, did you encounter any stereotypes that made you feel distinct from your peers?
There is discrimination when you are the only blind student in the class. People look at you as if you are genetically wrong, seeing you in a different light entirely. So, discrimination exists. However, when they noticed my performance in secondary school, some of those looking at me differently began to show more interest in me and requested to share knowledge. At Polytechnic, I was also the only blind person in the class. Some discriminated against me while others didn’t mind associating with me. However, the lecturers were very supportive, which made things easier, but discrimination was still present, and I faced it. I viewed my blindness as a challenge rather than a tragedy, which helped me overcome school-related challenges.
We have engaged several times on the issue of employment. We’ve visited the National Disability Commission and submitted our members’ list, but so far, there has been no response. We also approached the Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria in 2020, who promised to send letters to the Federal Civil Service Commission, but no action has been taken.
What initiatives has the association implemented to enhance the quality of life for its members?
We engage in mutual aid among ourselves. Members with jobs contribute monthly to support those without employment. However, we continue to call for external assistance in the form of technology devices and secure employment opportunities. Until we get the help we need, we rely on our contributions to support members. Sometimes, we purchase equipment like grinding machines to aid members seeking menial jobs.
Do any of your members have treatable eye conditions?
Most of our members have untreatable conditions, and we have accepted this reality.
Is there any initiative to provide medical treatment for those members with treatable conditions?
We rely on external support for this. Technology devices and employment opportunities are crucial for us to live independently. Medical foundations could greatly assist in this regard.
How would you rate the quality of eye treatment in Nigeria, considering accessibility and affordability?
The quality of eye treatment in Nigeria is poor. Many people who appear sighted are partially blind and reliant on glasses for everyday tasks like driving and reading. Accessibility to affordable treatment is limited, and only a few can afford treatment abroad. We urge the government to improve eye care accessibility to prevent unnecessary blindness among Nigerians.
