A first-year student of the University of Lagos, Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni, has recounted how she overcame a brain tumour, loss of sight and years of medical rehabilitation to become the highest-scoring candidate in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board's Equal Opportunity Group for Persons with Disabilities.

The Ondo State indigene, now studying Mass Communication at UNILAG, recorded 288 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and finished with an aggregate score of 81.2 per cent to lead candidates in the disability category.

Tijesuni said her health battle started at the age of 11 while she was in Junior Secondary School Two after doctors diagnosed her with a brain tumour.

She explained that the illness gradually affected the left side of her body, but her family postponed surgery until she completed secondary school in a bid to keep her education on track.

According to her, the situation became more critical during her final year in secondary school when her eyesight steadily deteriorated as she prepared for her external examinations.

Despite the challenge, she sat the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and later took the UTME, scoring 225 with the ambition of studying Law at the University of Ibadan.

She recalled that shortly after the examination, she suddenly collapsed at home and was rushed for treatment, where doctors advised that urgent surgery had become unavoidable because the tumour had remained untreated for too long.

The undergraduate described receiving the diagnosis as a painful experience, admitting that she initially found it difficult to believe she was living with a brain tumour.

Before her illness, she said she was actively involved in sports, having represented her school in basketball, football, badminton and swimming before her condition limited her physical activities.

She eventually underwent a major brain operation in January 2018 and later embarked on an extensive rehabilitation programme to aid her recovery.

After spending several years in rehabilitation in Ibadan, she enrolled at the Blind Centre in Oshodi, Lagos, where she acquired skills in mobility, independent living, hospitality and broadcasting.

Determined to continue pursuing her academic goals, Tijesuni rewrote her qualifying examinations in 2025 and secured admission into the University of Lagos.

She disclosed that medical specialists believe there is hope of restoring her sight but noted that the advanced neurological rehabilitation technology required for such treatment is not yet available in the country.

Although she once dreamed of becoming a doctor and later considered a career in law, she said her circumstances influenced her decision to study Mass Communication.

The undergraduate praised the University of Lagos for providing facilities and support that make learning easier for students living with disabilities, while also commending lecturers and fellow students for their encouragement.

She also applauded JAMB's Equal Opportunity Group for introducing inclusive examination arrangements that enable candidates with disabilities to write their examinations with appropriate support.

Calling for greater inclusion, Tijesuni urged governments, corporate organisations and other employers to create more opportunities for persons living with disabilities, insisting that many possess the skills and talents needed to contribute meaningfully to society if given equal opportunities.