KUANTAN: Despite the challenges posed by his disabilities, Muhammad Adib Nadhir Mohd Zaharizan has not only persevered but also embraced knowledge with unmatched zeal.
The 18-year-old wheelchair user will embark on a new chapter tomorrow (June 29) as he sets foot at Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UniPSAS) here for his one-year foundation programme.
The second of three siblings, Adib Nadhir expressed extreme delight with the opportunity to pursue tertiary education, which has paved the way for him to achieve his dreams.
"If someone had asked me years ago if I would go to university, I would have said it was unlikely to happen. I studied hard and had big dreams in school, but I assumed that it would be tough for someone like me to attend university.
"I have been in a wheelchair since birth due to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and attended secondary school using a motorised wheelchair. I am happy to have this opportunity to continue my academic journey in university and will never forget this special day," he told reporters after receiving his admission letter from UniPSAS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Zawavi Zainal Abidin at SMK Chengal Lempong today.
Adib Nadhir, who scored three A's and five B's in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, mentioned that he will not be staying on campus but will commute from home.
"If I were to stay in the hostel, I would definitely need assistance, but since my house is nearby, I prefer to commute for classes. I have a motorised wheelchair to facilitate movement around campus.
"When I attended Form Four and Five at SMK Chengal Lempong, I used my motorised wheelchair daily as my house was about 500m away from the school. My parents and siblings will assist me, and I believe I will make new friends at university," he said.
Adib Nadhir, aspiring to become a businessman, described the opportunity to enter university as proof that disabilities should not hinder one from pursuing dreams, especially in education.
He mentioned that his parents, Mohd Zaharizan Abd Mubin, 45, and Noor Azrawati Johan, 45, along with his siblings, have assured him of their support throughout his university journey.
Meanwhile, Zawavi highlighted that Adib Nadhir was not only offered a place at the university but also had his foundation programme education fees sponsored by the Pahang government.
"After completing his foundation programme, Adib Nadhir will have the opportunity to pursue a degree in accounting at the university. Muhammad Adib is on the right track, having scored As in Accounting and Mathematics during SPM," he said.