A Jigawa Physically Challenge Turnes To IT Guru From Sickbed
By Muh”d Zangina Kura, Dutse
In a world where physical limitations often define the boundaries of one’s potential, Isa Tasiu Rabiu a 24-year-old from Ringim Local Government of Jigawa state , has proven that determination and resilience can transcend even the most daunting challenges.
Confined to his sickbed due to a severe case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Isa has defied the odds by leveraging the power of Information Technology (IT) to become a skilled Software Developer, Application/ Website Manager, and IT Guru—all from his living room.
Today Isa Tasiu has developed over 1,000 website and different application for financial institutions, business entities, private and public organization , currently he is managing over 100 of such sites as requested by the owners.
Isa journey has been anything but uneasy. Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 9, Isa”s life has been a constant battle against pain and physical limitations.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder, not only affects the joints but can also damage a variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
For Isa Tasiu the condition progressively worsened, leaving him unable to move his hands, legs and other joints or perform basic tasks.
His parents, desperate to save their son from a life of permanent disability, spent years shuttling from one hospital to another, seeking medical treatments and interventions. Despite their efforts, Isa”s condition continued to deteriorate, forcing him to abandon his studies at the College of Legal Studies in Ringim. His dreams of a normal life and a successful career were slipping away.
However, Isa refused to let his physical limitations define his future. Determined to make something of his life, he turned to the one thing that offered him a glimmer of hope: technology. With the help of a Android Handset phone, laptop and an internet connection, Isa began to explore the world of Information Technology. Despite the pain and the difficulty of using his hands, he taught himself how to code, design software, and manage applications.
“In every disability, there is an ability,” Isa Tasiu often says, echoing a popular saying that has become his mantra. For him,
IT became a way to transcend his physical limitations and create a new reality for himself. Through online courses, tutorials, and sheer determination, Isa mastered programming languages such as Python, Java, and HTML. He also learned how to develop mobile applications and manage IT systems, skills that have made him a sought-after IT professional.
Today, Isa Tasiu is not just a Software Developer; he is a symbol of hope and resilience for others facing similar challenges.
From his sickbed, he has developed applications that solve real-world problems, managed IT projects for clients, and even mentored other young people interested in technology.
Despite his physical limitations, Isa continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, proving that disability is not the end but rather the beginning of a new journey.
Anyone who sees Isa for the first time in his bedroom, struggling to get out of bed, and seat on his computer set table would feel deep sympathy for him. One might assume his life is confined to that room, but in reality, Isa is connected to the wider world. He is actively engaged in business with many people across Jigawa State, Nigeria, and even in foreign countries.
Narrating his ordeal and the agony he has endured due to persistent health challenges over the years, Isa revealed that he was forced to abandon his studies at the College of Legal Studies in Ringim in 2019. He was a Level 200 student in the Department of Arabic Language at the time.
“Initially, I thought it was the end of my life because my condition worsened to the point where I couldn’t even go to the toilet or eat without someone’s help,” Isa shared.
Having lost his father he moved from Ringim to Dutse, the state capital, where his mother lives with her husband. “My mother, her husband, and my siblings have continued to support me with medical care and everything I need,” he said.
Isa”s journey into the world of IT began from his sickbed. Whenever his mother and others in the house left for work or school, he dedicated himself to exploring the world through his phone. “I used my phone to check what was happening around the world,” he explained.
Leveraging the power of technology, Isa”s joined numerous online classes and training programs in information technology. Through these platforms, he reconnected with old schoolmates and made new friends online. Today, he has clients from across all 31 states of Nigeria, including Abuja, as well as from several foreign countries.
The IT business keeps him busy, enabling him to interact and socialize with friends, seek medical advice, and earn a reliable income. “I want people to know that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a way out,” Isa said. “You just have to believe in yourself and never give up.”
Isa’s mother Hajiya Hamida Mukhtar Kaugama described her son as a confident and determined individual. Despite his health challenges which started manifesting since when he was 9 years old, , he has never stopped seeking knowledge.
She noted that, her son attended Islamiyya school, where he memorized the Holy Qur’an, and later completed primary and secondary school. Although his condition forced him to abandon college as an NCE Level 200 student, he continued learning from his room and eventually mastered many aspects of IT,” she said.
The knowledge he gained has not only helped him but also benefited his family. Isal now covers a significant portion of his medical bills and contributes to household expenses.
Isa”s l stepfather, Alhaji Mukhatai Kaugama who lives in the same compound, said the family has supported Isa in managing his health while recognizing his passion for IT.
“Isa started his IT journey from his sickbed with a small phone. As he progressed, we upgraded him to a bigger phone and eventually provided him with a computer set and other necessary accessories, including a solar-powered system,” Alhaji explained.
Today, Isa spends most of his time on his computer, attending to clients, resolving technical challenges, developing websites, and creating applications. He also teaches online students and welcomes others to his room for lessons.
As his parents, they are proud of his determination. However, they have an appeal to the Jigawa State Governor through his special adviser on students affairs Comrade Salisu Muhammad Seeker to come to the aid of the young talented Isa.
“We need support of an advanced medical treatment for Isa. We still believe his condition is curable, and he has a bright future full of potential and happiness.” Malam Mukhtar stated
Isa”s journey from a sickbed to becoming an IT Guru is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the transformative potential of technology.
