Inspiring! Minister Applauds JAMB as 501 Visually Impaired Candidates Sit for 2025 UTME
On Tuesday, at least 501 blind applicants took the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at 11 specialized testing locations around the country.
While observing the activity at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja’s Centre for the Blind, Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad Said praised the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for guaranteeing inclusivity in the postsecondary admissions process.
The JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), chaired by Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, oversees and plans the administration of the test for applicants with special needs.
She pointed out that by offering applicants with a range of disabilities complete support, JAMB has broken down obstacles in Nigeria’s educational system.
Said praised JAMB for not only making the test accessible but also for paying for all related expenses, like lodging, transportation, and personal assistants for applicants with special needs.
She emphasized the Board’s crucial role in advancing the federal government’s inclusive education objective by saying, “Many would never have had the chance to write this exam without these provisions.”
The minister also confirmed that the National Examination Council (NECO) and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) will soon adopt comparable standards, bringing Nigeria into line with international best practices, as JAMB is spearheading the digital transformation of exams and developing inclusive policies.
Speaking as well, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, emphasized the board’s dedication to equity and said that a just society is still characterized by inclusivity.
“We think people with disabilities can do amazing things. We make sure they feel appreciated by the country because of this,” he stated.
Eleven disability-specialized centers are being operated by JAMB in the FCT, Lagos, Edo, Oyo, and Kaduna states.
According to the registrar, each center is positioned to provide applicants with easier access to exams in their localities.
In addition to the test, he revealed that applicants who receive five credits receive their registration costs back when they arrive, which he called “a moral responsibility.”
According to him, the board also ensures full equity with other examinees and mainstream help for deaf candidates at general centers by mandating that all instructions be given in writing.
They receive visual cues and badges. The expense is high—more than ₦200,000 is paid on each candidate—but it is worthwhile, the registrar continued.
In addition to guiding postsecondary institutions in admitting and assisting students with special needs, the inclusive policy was created with input from education stakeholders such as Emeritus Prof. Peter Okebukola.
Consequently, over 70% of the UTME applicants who were physically challenged last year were accepted into colleges of education, universities, and polytechnics.
Prof. Sunday Ododo, the center coordinator at NOUN, praised JAMB’s leadership and reliability as well.
“We appreciate the chance to be of service.” This is a national commitment to human dignity, not just an examination,” he stated.
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