In anticipation of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a groundbreaking initiative is underway, with no fewer than 577 blind candidates poised to partake in the nationwide assessment across eleven designated centers. The Chairman of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, shared this revelation during a press briefing geared towards the upcoming UTME for visually impaired candidates and those with special needs under the purview of JEOG.
Established in 2017 by the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the JEOG was tasked with the effective management of blind candidates and others with special needs during examinations. Prof. Okebukola emphasized the significance of this year’s UTME, marking the first implementation of the bimodal system of examination administration by JEOG, offering candidates the option of Fully-Braille or Fully Read-Aloud modes. This innovative approach underscores JAMB’s commitment to inclusivity, with JEOG dedicated to ensuring a seamless and favorable testing experience for all candidates.
“With a total of 577 blind candidates, the 2024 UTME boasts the highest number to date,” Prof. Okebukola remarked, noting a significant increase from previous years attributed to intensified advocacy efforts by JEOG. This surge underscores the growing recognition of JAMB’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity in higher education.
Professor Okebukola, also the President of the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi-Africa), lauded Prof. Ishaq Oloyede as a driving force behind equal access to higher education in Africa. Drawing on discussions with GUNi-Africa members, he underscored Nigeria’s exemplary stance under Prof. Oloyede’s leadership in prioritizing the needs of visually impaired candidates.
In a bold move to further support blind candidates, Prof. Okebukola revealed that all qualified candidates—those with at least five O-level credits—will have their UTME registration costs refunded on-site during the examination. This gesture, among others, including free accommodation, Braille materials, meals, and transport subsidies, solidifies Nigeria’s position as a beacon of inclusivity on the African continent.
Recognizing Prof. Oloyede’s unwavering commitment, Prof. Okebukola nominated him for the CNN Heroes Award, rallying support from across Africa. This accolade seeks to honor Prof. Oloyede’s remarkable contributions to promoting equal opportunities in education.
As preparations intensify, Prof. Okebukola highlighted the distribution of candidates across various centers, led by distinguished coordinators, many of whom are former Vice-Chancellors. Notable coordinators include Prof. Muhammad Yahuza Bello in Kano and Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun in Lagos, overseeing the largest cohorts of blind candidates.
Scheduled for April 22nd and 23rd, the UTME will comprise 20 subjects, maintaining rigorous standards for all candidates. Dr. Jake Ekpelle, Founder/CEO of The Albino Foundation and head of JEOG’s publicity, expressed confidence in the comprehensive arrangements, anticipating a resounding success for the upcoming UTME.
As Nigeria continues to champion inclusivity and equal opportunity in education, the 2024 UTME stands as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every aspiring student, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to pursue higher education.
