Meet The Blind Chef Who Began Cooking At The Age Of Seven

Meet The Blind Chef Who Began Cooking At The Age Of Seven....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Visually-impaired Chef Halima Jibrin Shares Her Journey into Culinary World Despite Disability

Is blindness something you’ve dealt with since birth?

I’m Halima Jibril, 24 years old, born and raised in Kaduna, with roots in Nasarawa State. I come from a large family of 24, as my father has four wives. My mom, his third wife, has six children, and I’m her fifth. Currently pursuing Mass Communication at Kaduna State University, I’m also a chef.

Yes, I was born blind, though I can perceive some colors and distinguish light and shadows to an extent. Doctors classified me as blind due to my weak sight. My eye color varies, sometimes appearing blue, ash, or grey. Initially, they believed I couldn’t see at all, but my mom noticed my eyes tracking light. As I grew, I could differentiate colors, although some remain a challenge. Maroon and purple, for instance, are indistinguishable to me. I may see green as blue and vice versa. When someone’s before me, I discern their shadow but can’t recognize faces.

Tell us about your educational journey.

My schooling began in a sighted institution in Kaduna. Later, my father learned about a boarding school for visually impaired individuals in Abuja, where I started from primary one at age seven. Subsequently, I attended the Kaduna State Special Education School from primary two. Following primary school, I briefly joined a special class in Kaduna but transitioned to Government Secondary School, Kwali, Abuja, which caters to all disabilities. Finally, I secured admission to Kaduna State University.

How do you manage studies and daily life at the university?

In Abuja, my secondary school accommodated both sighted and visually impaired students. We used typewriters for assessments, and I utilized a Braille machine for notes. Lectures were either read aloud or recorded. At Kaduna State University, I’ve continued this approach—typing tests and assignments, recording lectures, then transcribing with my Braille machine at home.

What support did your parents provide throughout your journey?

They fulfilled every parental role. Despite my father’s passing, my mom was pivotal. She instilled independence, teaching me not to depend on others or allow exploitation due to my blindness. Consequently, I’ve mostly sighted friends and never felt overly coddled.

Were you sheltered due to your condition?

Not at all. If I misbehaved, my mom ensured I faced consequences, refusing to excuse it because of my blindness. This tough love shaped my self-sufficiency. Even my siblings treat me no differently.

What ignited your passion for cooking?

My mom shared tales of a blind woman in our Nasarawa village, managing household chores independently. Inspired, I decided to try. I’ve always loved food and felt drawn to cooking. Challenging stereotypes and raising awareness, especially in Nigeria where blind chefs are rare, motivates me. I aspire to be known as a blind chef because cooking is my passion.

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