The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has garnered praise for its groundbreaking decision to offer complimentary application forms for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to candidates with disabilities, contingent on their possession of five O’level credits.
JAMB’s announcement last year to exempt People With Disability (PWD) from UTME application fees has set the stage for an estimated 4,000 individuals with disabilities to benefit from this inclusive programme.
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) voiced its appreciation through its representative, Abdullahi Usman, who lauded the board’s initiative as a commendable step towards inclusivity in higher education.
Usman, speaking in response to the development as featured in JAMB’s Weekly Bulletin, highlighted that the gesture was initially revealed during the First JEOG conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria held recently in Abuja, marking it as a pioneering effort in the country.
Describing the move as a “first of its kind” in Nigeria, Usman emphasized the positive impact this initiative would have on underserved members of JONAPWD.
He expressed gratitude to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for being a stalwart advocate for the Disabled Community.
“This waiver is the first of its kind in this country and goes to show, in practical terms, that an organization is actively advocating inclusivity in the Nigeria educational system. Consequently, I am calling on the Disabled Community in the country to avail themselves of this unique opportunity,” stated Usman.
He went on to express optimism about the program’s success, foreseeing at least 4,000 students benefiting in the current year alone, with the numbers expected to rise in subsequent years.
Usman concluded by extending his well-wishes to Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, acknowledging his commitment to fostering positive change during his tenure as JAMB Registrar.