By Ireoluwa Ayodele
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has renewed its commitment to continue to contribute to the educational wellbeing of persons with disabilities in Nigeria through its equal opportunity programme.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede gave the assurance during the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME , 2024 for candidates with disabilities held at the Ekiti State University, EKSU , Ado-Ekiti.
Prof. Oloyede, represented by an official from JAMB, Prof. Rasheed Aderinoye , the centre coordinator said the focus of the examination which holds yearly is to ensure that interested candidates with disabilities seeking university admission are not left out in the society. He remarked that the examination would be conducted in consonance with JAMB’s guidelines that will ensure the success of the candidates.
On the effectiveness of the programme since it came on stream, the centre coordinator explained that such has always been in the increase in the number of special candidates writing the examination.
He further disclosed that the effectiveness can be seen from the perspective where bills on hotel accommodation, feeding, transportation of the candidates from various destinations among other issues are footed by JAMB.
The Registrar appreciated authorities of EKSU and the State Government for providing the school as one of the venues in the country.
EKSU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development, Prof. Ayan Adeleke who stood in for the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eddy Olanipekun commended the management of JAMB for selecting EKSU as one of the centres for the special candidates to sit for the examination. He said EKSU management will continue to sustain its zero-tolerance for examination malpractice.
Special Adviser to the Ekiti State governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola described the programme as a way of ensuring a level playing field for all candidates irrespective of physical abilities. She urged the candidates to be positive and believe in themselves to realize their potentials.
The governor’s aide appreciated the chairman, JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, Prof. Peter Okebukola for being involved in a project that should be worthy of emulation by other members of the academic community. She noted that through this effort JAMB is promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Mrs Agboola hailed JAMB for including people with disabilities to participate in the examination. Adding that Ekiti State government has the first fully furnished public school-adapted classroom for candidate with disabilities.
Thirty-three special candidates from Ekiti, Ondo and other places sat for the examination.