Adeosun Ayomide Oluwaseun, a 20-year-old ND2 Mass Communication student at Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, was once a vibrant and energetic young man—until an accident changed his life forever.

The talented musician, who skillfully balances academics with playing the talking drum, lost his right eye on Sunday, November 20, 2016, effectively ending his dream of becoming a soldier.

In an exclusive interview, Oluwaseun shared how he has navigated life since the accident, relying on his creativity, determination, and instinct despite his visual impairment.

How It Happened

Like any other Sunday, Oluwaseun attended his usual church service at Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S), Orisun Iye Alaseyori, Papalanto, Ewekoro LGA, Ogun State. After returning home, the then 10-year-old noticed a faulty door and attempted to fix it with a hammer and nail.

Tragically, the nail flew and struck his right eye. Initially, neither he nor his parents realized the severity of the injury.

He recalled, “I discovered our house door was faulty and tried to fix it after church. While hitting the nail, it flew and hit my right eye. My parents thought it was minor; there was no bleeding, and I didn’t feel pain until a week later when I realized I couldn’t see with that eye.”

Medical Interventions

Oluwaseun visited several hospitals seeking treatment, but the damage was irreversible. Doctors eventually advised removing the eye to prevent brain complications.

“The doctor said the eye needed urgent surgery within three days or it could affect my brain. He suggested an artificial eye for N100,000, but my family couldn’t afford it,” he said emotionally.

Facing Challenges

Starting Mass Communication at OGITECH brought new challenges. Without parental support on campus, navigating the environment became difficult. Tasks like arranging files and completing administrative duties often took longer due to his impairment.

“Moving around campus to submit files and do documentation was very challenging. Sometimes I feel frustrated because I know I could do more if I were fully sighted. But I keep pushing to become the best version of myself,” he explained.

Despite the struggles, he remains committed, even enduring long queues and stressful days to complete tasks independently.

Turning Adversity Into Motivation

After the accident, Oluwaseun turned to his passion for music, learning to play the talking drum. However, he quickly realized that education was key to his future success.

“Without education, I couldn’t advance in music or life. I knew I needed to study to communicate and engage with clients effectively,” he said. Music became both a source of joy and a motivation to continue learning.

“Playing the talking drum fills me with happiness. It’s my first love and a source of strength whenever I feel down,” he added.

Coping With Stigmatization

Oluwaseun, who was not born visually impaired, now relies heavily on his left eye, which is not as sharp as his lost right eye. He often wears dark glasses—not for fashion, but to manage the attention and stigma of having one eye.

“I wear dark shades to avoid stares, even though it makes seeing difficult. I only use my prescription glasses during exams,” he said.

A Call for Support

Oluwaseun appeals to the Ogun State government to create a more inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities and to support his education financially.

“I hope the government can assist me with school fees and ensure that educational spaces are accessible for people with disabilities,” he said.

While his dream of becoming a soldier ended with his injury, Oluwaseun’s journey reflects resilience, determination, and the drive to succeed despite life’s challenges.