Dr Ifeolu Akintunde, a man of remarkable resilience and determination, has defied the odds by pursuing a successful career in Law and earning a Ph.D., all while navigating the challenges posed by his visual impairment. In a recent interview, he shared his inspiring journey, highlighting how his disability did not hinder his pursuit of excellence.
Dr Akintunde, born in Ibadan, Nigeria, recounted his educational path, stating, “I attended the school for blind people and then, Kings College, both in Lagos. I also went to the University of Lagos where I studied Law and got called to the Bar.” Undeterred by his visual impairment, he further pursued his education abroad, obtaining a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in International Relations from a university in the United Kingdom.
Reflecting on his employment prospects as a blind individual, Dr Akintunde acknowledged the difficulties he faced. He shared, “Statistics show that 60 percent of people who are blind in the United Kingdom are unemployed. In the end, God literally walked me through setting up my own company.” Thus, IOA Consults Limited was born, and Dr Akintunde’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished as he offered services such as proofreading, advice, and representation for students, among other ventures.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr Akintunde’s musical talents shone during a Sunday service, where he played the keyboard and sang. He recalled an incident that prompted him to reflect on his faith, stating, “At this time, I’d finished my Ph.D, and I was talking to these 12-year-olds about my faith… one of them just said, ‘How come you’re a Christian if you’re blind?’” This question led Dr Akintunde to a deeper understanding of the lessons he had learned through his visual impairment, including empathy, trust in God’s provision, and the opportunities that arise from challenges.
When asked about his experience studying Law as a blind individual, Dr Akintunde humbly shared, “I never realized I was blazing any trail. I was actually the first blind person to study Law at UNILAG… I may not have been the first to study in the university, but certainly in that department, I was the first.” Despite his groundbreaking achievements, he modestly downplayed his accomplishments, attributing them to stumbling upon opportunities rather than consciously setting out to be a trailblazer.
Dr Akintunde’s professional endeavors extend beyond his company, as he actively engages in advocacy work and supports individuals with disabilities. He explained, “I work with persons with disabilities; blind people… I also advocate. I run awareness courses on blindness and disability generally.” Moreover, he actively contributes to organizations such as the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians, where he played a key role in drafting their constitution and serves as the national publicity secretary.
Offering advice to those facing challenges, Dr Akintunde emphasized the significance of focusing on God. He stated, “If we look at God rather than ourselves, it helps us to put things in perspective… It’s not the end of the world if you focus on God. There are open doors, there are ways in which we can overcome any challenge.”
Dr Ifeolu Akintunde’s life journey serves as a powerful testament to the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His unwavering determination, faith, and dedication have propelled him to achieve remarkable milestones, breaking barriers and inspiring others along the way. His story is a shining example of how disabilities need not define one’s potential for excellence and impact.