The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has received high praise for its groundbreaking efforts in making the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) accessible to 501 physically challenged candidates across 11 specialized centers nationwide. Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, gave the commendation during a monitoring visit to the Centre for the Blind at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja.
"Without these provisions, many would never have had the chance to write this exam," Professor Ahmad noted, highlighting JAMB's instrumental role in advancing the federal government's inclusive education policy. She lauded JAMB not only for organizing inclusive examinations but also for fully sponsoring all associated costs, including transportation, accommodation, and the provision of personal aides, for the special-needs candidates.
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, reiterated the Board's commitment to equity, stating, "Inclusivity is the hallmark of a just society. We believe those who are differently abled can perform wonders. That's why we ensure they feel valued by the nation." JAMB currently operates 11 disability-specialized centers located in states such as Lagos, Edo, Oyo, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Board's initiatives also include refunding registration fees for candidates who score five credits and providing support for deaf candidates at general centers. "They are given badges and visual cues. It's expensive—over N200,000 is spent per candidate—but it is a cost worth bearing," Professor Oloyede stated.
The inclusive initiative has shown promising results, with over 70 percent of last year's physically challenged UTME candidates successfully gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Professor Sunday Ododo, Coordinator of the Centre at NOUN, commended JAMB's leadership and dedication, saying, "We are grateful for the opportunity to serve. This is more than an examination—it is a national commitment to human dignity."
By providing accessible and inclusive education, JAMB is paving the way for a more equitable society, where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
