My Dyslexia Story: Adunola Shoge

Where it all started

For me, it was a lightbulb moment that happened back in nursery class. After our short afternoon break, lessons resumed, and the teacher called me out to recite the first five letters of the alphabet written on the chalkboard. I couldn’t attempt it at all. I just stared at the board for a while, then lowered my eyes when the silence became awkward. After a moment, my teacher simply asked me to return to my seat.  

To my surprise, every other pupil that followed read it with ease, as though they had been taught and had already mastered it. I began to wonder what was wrong with me, even at that young age.  

In the same class, when it was time for tests, we were each called to the teacher’s table to attempt the questions. I was the only pupil who stood there for a very long time without being able to answer a single one. That was when it first dawned on me that I was different, but in what felt like a bad way.  

Being treated differently

I endured intense verbal and physical abuse as a child struggling with dyslexia in Africa. Because of those experiences, I continued to battle low self-esteem, even after I had learnt to read, write, and spell.  

No child with dyslexia should ever be subjected to abuse simply because their brains are wired differently. It is unjust, and they deserve to be treated with understanding, dignity, and respect.

Not limiting my potential

Living with dyslexia has taught me to embrace hard work, resilience, and determination. I have always had to put in extra effort in everything I do, not to hide my weaknesses but to ensure they never limit my potential.  

This mindset has helped me turn challenges into remarkable achievements, including graduating as the best student from the University of Ibadan, a top ranked university in Africa and becoming a leading voice for dyslexia advocacy in Africa.  

The courage to keep dreaming bigger

Even as a child with dyslexia, the greatest gift I had was the unwavering belief of my parents. Whenever they believed in me, it felt like doors of possibility opened that I could not have imagined on my own. My parents especially carried me with that faith. My mum’s constant words, that I could achieve anything I wanted, became a steady light in difficult times. And my dad’s unshakable belief in every dream I dared to share gave me the courage to keep dreaming bigger.  

I emerged the best graduating student of the University of Ibadan, a top ranked university in Africa, even with dyslexia.  

It is a major milestone of my life, after not being able to read, write and spell for the first ten years of my life. But a lot of hard work went into it.  

Don't be scared! Dyslexia can be a superpower if you believe in your strengths. As for the weaknesses, own it and don't let them stop you.