SPOTLIGHT: How UNILAG graduate bagged first class despite battle with sickle cell 

Entering the University of Lagos (Unilag) with six legs and graduating with two legs may seem like an extraordinary tale, but for one resilient student, it is a testament to determination, faith, and unwavering support from her family. 

Meet Joy Fro, a young woman who defied all odds and overcame a severe Sickle Cell complication to achieve academic excellence and inspire thousands.

In X thread Fro said her journey began when she was offered admission into Unilag despite her battle with Avascular Necrosis, a condition that had left her unable to walk without the aid of crutches. Her doctors informed her that hip replacement surgery was the only solution, and until then, she would have to rely on a walking frame for mobility.

“Entering Unilag with 6 legs and graduating with my 2 legs will forever be a testimony to me and my family. 

“I got admission into Unilag when I had a Sickle Cell complication- Avascular Necrosis of the hipbone. My doctors said I could never walk on my own until I had hip replacement surgery on both hips. 

Hence they moved me from using crutches to using a walking frame”,

Undeterred by her physical limitations, Fro embarked on her 100 level amidst the gaze of curious onlookers and fellow students who were quick to offer assistance or become lifelong friends. With determination etched on her face, Fro walked to classes and lab practicals, often enduring the weight of the walking frame.

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The heavy frame hindered Fro from taking cabs, as the drivers lacked the necessary patience to accommodate the time-consuming folding process. This isolation, both physical and social, took a toll on her mentally and physically. The stress of her studies coupled with the challenges of living with sickle cell led her to make the difficult decision to switch to a less demanding course of study in her second year.

“Throughout my 100 level, I would walk to class and lab practicals with the walking frame, in pain and shame. I can’t even take a cab because the frame is heavy and the cab men don’t have the patience to wait for the process of folding it… etc. 

“I remember writing my 100-level exams on the hospital bed! Heck, I wrote almost every exam at the hospital. Writing lab reports and doing my assignments there sometimes too. I made up my mind to stop using crotches even if it will take me to limp and feel the pain.” Fro added. 

Fro’s struggles were not limited to her academic pursuits alone. Hospital visits became a frequent occurrence, with the Unilag Medical Center becoming her second home. A sickling crisis struck without warning, and she would often find herself rushed from her hostel to the medical center in the dead of night. But even during these crises, Fro’s determination never wavered. She wrote exams from her hospital bed and completed assignments and lab reports amidst the sterile walls.

Support from her family, especially her mother and sisters, played a pivotal role in Fro’s journey. They constantly reminded her to take care of herself, adhere to her medication regimen, stay hydrated, avoid stress, and guard against the cold. Fro’s big handbags became an essential part of her everyday life, carrying two bottles of water, a jacket, and socks to protect herself from sudden temperature changes.

The scars on Fro’s body serve as a reminder of the adversities she has overcome. Allergic reactions to pain relief injections left her with blemished skin, a sacrifice she willingly made in exchange for pain relief. But despite the physical and emotional toll, Fro emerged triumphant, graduating from Unilag with a first-class degree in her chosen field of study.

Now equipped with a degree in Graphics Design and a certification as a Health Safety and Environment (HSE) officer, Fro is ready to conquer the professional world. 

Her determination, resilience, and youthful enthusiasm make her an ideal candidate to represent any company’s core values. Fro is eager to seize any scholarship opportunities that come her way, showing an unwavering commitment to continue her educational journey.

“It was a struggle. Battling with sickle cell and having to study in Unilag was an extreme sport. The constant stress had a huge effect on my health. It was so bad that I had to change my course of study in my second year to a less stressful one”, she said. 

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Fro’s testimonial is more than just a story of personal triumph; it is a reminder that greatness can emerge from the most challenging circumstances. As she proudly announces her virtual CV, Ada serves as an inspiration to many, proving that disabilities and obstacles do not define one’s potential for success.