Bitrus Nwalsu’s Journey from Campus Struggles to Wearing the NYSC Khaki

Thirty-year-old Bitrus Nwalsu, a graduate of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP), Bauchi, has shared the inspiring story of how he overcame physical challenges, financial hardship and social rejection to pursue higher education and eventually serve as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Bitrus Nwalsu’s Journey from Campus Struggles to Wearing the NYSC Khaki

Nwalsu, an indigene of Bauchi State from Bogoro Local Government Area, studied Business Administration at ATAP and graduated in 2024.

He said securing admission into the polytechnic was not easy, but he remained determined to achieve his educational goals. He had always aspired to become a responsible citizen and hoped to secure a civil service job that would allow him to support his family and other people facing difficulties.

Challenges at Polytechnic

Nwalsu said his years at ATAP came with numerous challenges. Some students ignored him because of his disability, while accessing lecture halls was often difficult.

His locally made wheelchair also broke down frequently, particularly during the rainy season, making it challenging to move around the campus. Poor roads and inaccessible routes added to his difficulties.

He recalled having to struggle to reach the front of lecture halls so that he could hear his lecturers properly. Despite the frustration and humiliation he experienced, he continued to encourage himself and remained committed to completing his education.

Living with a Disability from Childhood

Nwalsu’s challenges began when he was just two years old. He said he was born with both legs functioning normally but later became permanently disabled after missing early polio immunisation and receiving inadequate medical treatment at the time.

During his primary and secondary education, he did not have a wheelchair and had to crawl long distances to attend school.

He also experienced periods of severe financial hardship, including times when his family struggled to provide enough food. Nwalsu said his mother’s encouragement played an important role in helping him continue his education despite the difficulties.

From Graduation to NYSC

After graduating in 2024, Nwalsu was mobilised for the NYSC programme, a development that surprised many people who had witnessed his struggles.

When he appeared in the NYSC khaki in his wheelchair, some people were amazed that he had completed tertiary education and gone on to participate in national service.

The encouragement he has received from people celebrating his achievement, he said, has strengthened his resolve to keep pursuing his goals.

Nwalsu initially reported to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Jigawa State but was concerned about his ability to cope with the physically demanding drills.

Camp officials considered his condition, exempted him from the rigorous activities and redeployed him to Bauchi State. He said the decision came as a great relief because he had been worried about managing the demanding physical activities at camp.

He is currently serving at the Federal Secretariat in Bauchi, although he continues to encounter accessibility challenges, particularly when he has to use staircases to reach the building for monthly clearance.

Marriage and Family Life

Beyond his academic and NYSC journey, Nwalsu also got married in 2024, the same year he graduated. He and his wife have since welcomed a baby girl.

He said his disability led to rejection from some women before he eventually met a woman who accepted him as he is.

According to Nwalsu, his wife took several months to consider his proposal before accepting it. His parents also initially expressed concern about the couple’s financial future because he had just graduated and had no stable business or farming income.

Call for Better Accessibility

Despite the obstacles he has faced from childhood through his education and national service, Nwalsu remains determined to pursue his ambitions and contribute positively to his family and society.

He has called on the Federal Government to strengthen accessibility laws and improve public infrastructure so that people living with disabilities can move around, study, work and participate fully in society without unnecessary barriers.

His journey from crawling to school as a child to graduating from a tertiary institution and proudly wearing the NYSC khaki stands as a story of perseverance and determination

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Bitrus Nwalsu’s Journey from Campus Struggles to Wearing the NYSC Khaki

Bitrus Nwalsu’s Journey from Campus Struggles to Wearing the NYSC Khaki

Bitrus Nwalsu’s Journey from Campus Struggles to Wearing the NYSC Khaki

Bitrus Nwalsu’s Journey from Campus Struggles to Wearing the NYSC Khaki

Bitrus Nwalsu’s Journey from Campus Struggles to Wearing the NYSC Khaki