A JOLLY GOOD FELLA INDEED

Musa A Nurudeen is a blind boy who was admitted from Pacelli Primary School in Lagos. He attended Government College Ibadan with the 1972 Set as the very first blind person admitted into the school by the Principal, Chief J. B. O. Ojo. From his very first day he had to start the race and mingle with us. Sooner than later he had a good, kind accommodative and loving friend, Banji Abodunde, who decided to be his escort throughout
The school years and both were in Field House (Up Green!!!) Although the principal, Chief J. B. O. Ojo was an old boy of Government College Ibadan and was in Swanston House, I have often wondered why he made Field House a choice for Amusa. But not for long: Field House was the best House (attributes) to accommodate Amusa throughout his stay, which I’m sure was nothing of regret. Amusa Nurudeen, to my surprise, had no nickname then, adapted and survived with the understanding of the people and environment which he blended into and the assistance of Banji Abodunde, other classmates, most especially Field House, along with other school mates both seniors and juniors. At the same time, great honour to our House Master Mr. Adeyemo and all other teachers in contributing to the grooming, guarding, guiding, counseling and directing him to become what he is today.
In class, his braille typewriter to take notes and the standard normal typewriter to reply to questions and both were tools for companionship. It was a privilege for us his classmates to have had an opportunity to see him grow along with us and develop among us, unifying us in all areas and having a brotherhood bonding which has kept us all till date and would surely keep us are to the end of our lifetime. Such a jolly good fellow indeed. Of course, so many activities (both good and bad) occurred over the years. Amusa and Abodunde would surely have loads of stories to tell.
One which had always been on my mind is that of the “shotput”. Usually he tried participating or wanted to have a feel of what the action is. He joined in most activities. Later he was so used to the environment, walking around on his own to the dining hall, hockey pitch, and classrooms. He knew how many steps to be taken to whatever direction he was headed. At times I started doubting if he was blind in his acts of perfection. One day, some guys were playing the thorn leather ball and Amusa chose to have a feel. People at that age do play pranks.
Someone put the iron shotput in the thorn leather balls. The expectation was for him to give the ball a slight push before the shot. But he took an immediate surprise kick. A hard kick at that. He yelled and sat on the floor instantly. He couldn’t have forgotten, or he could be more detailed.

Culled From: Our story (1972 Set Anniversary book)
Submitted By: NURUDEEN AMUSA (SN 2436, Field House)