A Grade Level 16 teacher in Cross River State, Mrs. Virtue Umera Bassey, has lost her right leg due to complications from diabetes.

Mrs. Bassey, who teaches at Government Secondary School, Adiabo, Tinapa, had battled the disease for several years and reportedly spent significant sums on medical treatment before being referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

On August 26, 2025, doctors at UCTH amputated her right leg after determining that the disease had severely affected the limb and that the procedure was medically necessary.

Since the amputation, Mrs. Bassey has reportedly been frequently ill. Despite her health challenges, she remains determined to return to teaching once the school holiday ends.

She revealed plans to resume work by January 2026 but noted that doctors have advised her to use a prosthesis, which she said would cost approximately N2.6 million. Mrs. Bassey also disclosed that she has not received any government support and is currently responsible for the university education of her two children.

Former Commissioner for Special Education, Castro Ezama, who visited her during the Yuletide, described Mrs. Bassey as one of the state’s best English teachers and urged support for her. Ezama added that Mrs. Bassey has about six years remaining before retirement and expressed optimism that she would receive assistance to acquire the prosthesis.