Today, November 17, 2021, Dr. Ifeoma Bibiana Okoli, will join hundreds of other graduands that would be formally conferred with a doctorate at the convocation ceremony of Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan. Among those that will be conferred with the title of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, Dr. Okoli will be standing taller than the rest because of her unique achievement. Despite what many would ordinarily consider a disability, Dr. Ifeoma Okoli has proven that no physical disability can stop anyone from attaining one’s dreams or goals, if and only if one sets one’s mind to doing so. Though visually impaired, that is, blind, Dr. Ifeoma Okoli has with a single-minded determination and resilience climbed from the lowest academic ladder to the highest academic ladder, a feat that even many who do not suffer such impairment cannot achieve. This is, indeed, an achievement worth celebrating because Dr. Ifeoma Okoli has made history as the first visually impaired woman to earn a doctorate in Nigeria’s premier university, the first visually impaired Ph.D. degree holder in her home state, Anambra state, the first student with special need to earn a Ph.D. in the Special Persons Club, University of Ibadan as well as the second visually impaired woman from St.Josephs Centre for the Visually Handicapped, Obudu, Cross River State to earn a Ph.D. degree. She was supervised by Prof Ikechukwu Ambrose Nwazuoke. This, there, calls for a huge “owambe” party.
But who is Dr. Ifeoma Bibiana Okoli? Dr. Okoli is the first child of Mr. Obianusi Vincent Okoli and Mrs. Ijeoma Beatrice Okoli both from Ezihu Village, Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Dr. Ifeoma spent most of her years in Abakaliki where her parents lived and worked. Her life took a strange twist in 1985 when she was forced to drop out of school at the commencement of her final examination in secondary school. Dr. Okoli had been battling with failing eyesight due to a degenerative eye disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. As expected, her parents took her to several eye clinics in the quest for a remedy, unfortunately, none was found. While writing her final papers, she realized that she had almost completely lost her sight. One can imagine how devastating this experience must have been for a young girl who not only loved education but had been promised by her parents to train her up to the university level. The loss of her eyesight seemed like the end of a dream.
After the initial phase of non-acceptance, sorrow, and pain, Dr. Okoli, through the assistance of a cloistered nun enrolled at St. Joseph Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind, Obudu, Cross River State. There she acquired the requisite skills that will enable her to pursue her academic dreams. Armed with this skill, Dr. Okoli resolved to pursue her academic studies to the highest possible level. This resolve is what is being celebrated as she is conferred with a doctorate in Special Education.
Dr. Okoli’s achievement may be seen by many as nothing short of a miracle, and indeed, it is a miracle. But it is also a story of the enormous human capacity or potentials which God has lavishly endowed every one of us. When called forth, these potentials can propel one to the highest pinnacle of success. Dr. Okoli’s achievement is proof that one is capable of succeeding despite the oddities of life. Her success validates the statement that nothing is impossible for those who dare to dream and believe. Her story and success are a signpost for all whose circumstances in life may seem unfavourable.
But Dr. Ifeoma’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of her family, friends, colleagues, teachers, and all those who believed in her dream and who journeyed alongside her. This goes to show that we do need others to succeed. Her success is, therefore, our success. And for this reason, we should roll out the drums and pop bottles of wine to celebrate the success of our sister, daughter and friend.
