A Grade Level 16 teacher in Cross River State, Mrs. Virtue Umera Bassey, has lost her right leg to complications arising from diabetes.
Mrs. Bassey, a teacher at Government Secondary School, Adiabo, Tinapa, had battled diabetes for several years and reportedly spent substantial amounts on medical treatment before she was referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
Doctors at the hospital amputated her right leg on August 26, 2025, after determining that the disease had severely affected the limb and that the procedure was medically necessary.
Following the amputation, Mrs. Bassey has reportedly been experiencing frequent illness.
Despite her condition, she has expressed readiness to return to her teaching duties once the school holiday ends.
Speaking on her plans, Mrs. Bassey said she hopes to resume work by January 2026 but noted that doctors have advised her to use a prosthesis, which she said would cost about N2.6 million.
She also stated that she has not received any support from the government, adding that she is currently responsible for the education of her two children who are studying at universities.
Former Commissioner for Special Education, Castro Ezama, who visited her during the Yuletide, described Mrs. Bassey as one of the best English teachers in the state and called for support.
Ezama noted that Mrs. Bassey has about six years remaining before retirement and said he is optimistic that she would receive assistance to acquire the required prosthesis.
