At the age of 13, Ovey Friday was accused of witchcraft by his stepmother and taken to a traditional shrine in the central Nigerian state of Nasarawa, where he was tortured. By the time a neighbour alerted police and he was taken to hospital, the damage was irreversible. Doctors were forced to sedate him and operate, leading to the amputation of his left hand. Despite the trauma, Friday remained determined to continue his education. Two years ago, he struggled to register for Nigeria's university entrance examination due to the biometric fingerprint process not accommodating his disability. However, through advocacy, he was able to use his toe print as verification. Currently, he is studying English and literary studies in Nasarawa and is the first in his family to attend university. He represents hope for many in Nigeria, showing that even severe challenges can be overcome with perseverance and support.
Ovey Friday: Overcoming the Odds to Pursue Education in Nigeria
Ovey Friday: Overcoming the Odds to Pursue Education in Nigeria
Meet Ovey Friday, a resilient young man who faced unimaginable adversity at a young age after being accused of witchcraft and tortured in Nigeria, resulting in the loss of his hand. Despite these challenges, he refused to give up on his dreams of education.
At just 13, Ovey Friday suffered severe abuse that resulted in the loss of his hand after being tortured under accusations of witchcraft. Now 19, despite facing prejudice and obstacles in accessing education, he is thriving as a university student in Nasarawa, pioneering the path for others with disabilities in Nigeria. With the support of advocates and guardians, Ovey overcame systemic barriers, showcasing that determination can break down societal walls.
