Michael Ogunkanmi, 39, and his wife Akintomide, 34, are a blind couple living in Lagos, Nigeria, who are waiting for teaching positions with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board while struggling to provide for their three sighted children aged eight, five and three.
The family runs their modest home on memory, touch and close teamwork. Michael explains that any item moved in the house must be reported to his wife, and they rely on their children to identify objects they cannot recognize. “We do things together. If she is doing something and I don’t know how to do it, she will teach me,” he said.
Both parents met while attending school, where their shared visual impairment became only one aspect of their relationship. Their eldest daughter, eight, already helps with chores such as washing plates and cooking simple meals, while the son dreams of becoming a lecturer and the younger daughter aspires to be a doctor.
Michael, a trained teacher, musician and special educator, currently earns an irregular income by playing drums in a church, receiving payments that have ranged from N1,000 to N20,000. The uncertain earnings force the family to buy food on credit and borrow basic school supplies for the children.
Both Michael and Akintomide hold Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications—Michael in Music and Special Education, Akintomide in Social Studies and Special Education. They applied for teaching jobs through the state’s Universal Basic Education Board in July 2022, were told they would be contacted, submitted a recommendation letter, and have yet to receive a call.
“What gives me concern is this job because I know that if I have a job, things will be easier for me. I can take care of them and cater for them,” Michael said, adding that he would continue drumming even if employed.
Michael lost his sight at age two and Akintomide at primary school age, both due to measles, yet they have continued their education and now seek stable employment amid Nigeria’s high unemployment rates, hoping a teaching position will bring the security their children need.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
