Defying all odds.

Maurice Asuquo, aged 61, passed away on October 18, 2020 at Holy Cross Hospital Silver Spring, MD. He was born on October 15,1959 in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to Mr. James Bassey Asuquo and Mrs. Sarah Asuquo. He attended Pacelli School for the Blind in Lagos, Nigeria and completed his High school at Igbobi College, Lagos Nigeria. He obtained his B.Sc. in Education from The Catholic University of America and a M.A. in Mass Communication from Howard University in Washington D.C. Prior to his untimely passing, he was working on a PHD in Education Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University.

Maurice was not born blind. He became blind as a toddler from complications arising from contacting measles. Despite this impediment Maurice exhibited flashes of intelligence that brought him to the attention of the roving missionary priest Father Nwankwo. Maurice could add and subtract, recite his catechism better than children with normal vision. Fr. Nwankwo took him to the mission house where he was introduced to Catholic missionaries who taught him braille.

In the early eighties, Maurice started out his career in broadcast communication. He worked as a radio announcer/producer with several radio stations in Nigeria and Washington D.C. including WHUR FM 96.3 and WCUA FM 103.9 at the Catholic University of America. Maurice was also an Independent producer, presenter and creator of a one-time syndicated radio program in Nigeria called “Voices From Abroad”. He also served as a guest speaker/lecturer to the Special Education departments of Howard University and Columbia Union college.

By 1991, Maurice settled into teaching. Maurice began his teaching career with the Pacelli School for the Blind in Lagos, Nigeria the same elementary school he attended. Maurice was a Special Education teacher. He retired in 2015 after working with the DC Public Schools for over 24 years. He worked with children in at least ten DC Public Schools as well as one private school including but not limited to Wilson, Bell, Coolidge, Tyler, Roosevelt and the Kingsbury Day school to mention just a few.  Apart from regular classroom subjects, Maurice enjoyed teaching Braille, assistive technology and broadcast communication skills.

Maurice was also an active member of the community participating in numerous organizations including the Washington Teachers Union, Igbobi College Old Boys Association, Friends of DC Regional Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and the Oron Development Union, Washington Chapter.

Maurice had special way of connecting with people. He never forgot a name and everywhere he went he made a new friend. He had a charming personality that was warm and personable. He had a deep love for music and technology and also tried to infuse both into life. He never let life’s obstacles impede his ability to succeed. He was a living GPS. If you ever got lost in DC he was the person you wanted to help you find your way back.

He is survived by his wife, Bolaji Owolabi Asuquo; Daughter, Jacqualine Arit Asuquo; Brother, Ita Asuquo and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.