MEET SHOLA: THE FIRST BLIND GRADUATE OF MUSIC, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS.

Shola David Agagu, is a visually impaired person with a degree in Music from the University of Lagos.

Shola David Agagu is the First of 6 children from Mr and Mrs. Samson Akindutire Agagu, from Ondo State, Nigeria. In an Interview with AIG Media Pro, he shared his life experience as a person living with disabilities and what made him further his education.

When asked What really motivated him to further his education in a Normal institution.

He said: ‘I realized my life cannot end with me depending on people. I knew if I didn’t rise above my situation, I would live a wasted life and blame it on being blind. I’m not the first person to lose his sight but I can be the first person to make sense out of it.

He added: ‘I lost my sight during my secondary school when I was in SS2. It made me drop out of school. I was lost, angry, resentful to God, and the People around me. After years had passed by, I realized I have not made progress. And as God may have it, I went to visit my friend and his dad sat me down and talked meaning into my life. I then decided to write the West Africa Examination (WAEC) and shockingly I passed. I tried JAMB as a joke, and I passed. I said to myself, the only thing holding me back right now is myself. And I decided to shut negative thoughts and I applied for Music in the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos’.

Due to his loss of vision, shola couldn’t write nor read except in braille. He went ahead to learn how to write in English with the help of a typewriter. Shola also revealed how he ran away from Special School for People with disabilities because it was unbearable for him.

Shola also revealed how difficult it was for him to attend a Normal institution, and how he worked hard to pass not using his disabilities as an excuse to get free marks from lecturers.

‘Coming to a Normal Public school like the University of Lagos was tough. During tests and exams, I will either go to a junior class or a senior class to ask someone to sit by me in other to read out the question while I write with my computer. If it’s a paper and pen exam, I will tell the person the answer while the person writes. One day, I had no one to help me, I was forced to write in braille. I went to submit it, the lecturer looked at it and said what is this, please take it away from me. it was a difficult experience but I had come too far to quit. I don’t use my disabilities to get free marks, I work hard for it’.

Shola plays different Instruments. His love for music has brought him thus far. He learned a single chord on the keyboard from a friend and developed himself. He plays the Keyboard, flute, guitar, drums and compose musical notes. He is also a music Producer.

When asked how he feels about his graduation he said:

‘Ecstatic. if I was told I would be a degree holder during my moment of depression and bitterness, I won’t believe it. But truly there is nothing impossible with God accompanied by willpower. Today is like a dream and I only hope for a better future’.