In a historic move towards fostering inclusivity and equal access to education, the Federal Government has instructed all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to waive the mandatory Post-UTME requirement for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This landmark directive was announced by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, at the First Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED), organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.
A Bold Step Towards Inclusive Education
The decision to exempt candidates with disabilities from the Post-UTME requirement is part of a broader initiative by the government to promote equitable access to higher education for all Nigerians. During his address, Dr. Sununu highlighted that this directive reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to breaking down barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the education sector.
“The Federal Government is determined to ensure that candidates with disabilities are provided with the same opportunities as their able-bodied counterparts. By waiving the Post-UTME requirement, we are removing one of the major hurdles that PWDs face in accessing higher education,” Dr. Sununu said.
This move is complemented by another ambitious target set by the government: to enroll 825,000 students with disabilities into tertiary institutions over the next five years. According to the Minister, this target underscores the government’s dedication to realizing a fully inclusive education system where no one is left behind.
Presidential Commitment to Inclusivity
Dr. Sununu further assured the public of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity within the education sector. He highlighted several key reforms aimed at improving access to education for PWDs, including the waiver of application fees for the UTME for students with disabilities. This reform was outlined in the Nigerian Education Sector Roadmap, launched in 2023, and has already begun to yield positive results.
“I am aware that this policy has significantly increased the number of PWDs who participated in the 2024 UTME,” Sununu noted. “This shows that when we make education more accessible, we empower individuals who have the potential to transform our society.”
The minister also praised the leadership of JAMB, particularly its Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for their proactive efforts in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the registration process for PWDs is transparent and accessible. According to Dr. Sununu, JAMB’s efforts serve as a shining example of the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing education as a tool for national development.
Enhancing Accessibility in Tertiary Institutions
In addition to admitting students with disabilities, Dr. Sununu called on all tertiary institutions to take extra measures to ensure that their campuses are fully accessible. This includes the provision of necessary infrastructure such as ramps, elevators, and assistive technologies, as well as other accommodations that will make learning environments conducive for all students, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.
“It is not enough to admit students with disabilities; we must ensure that our institutions are fully equipped to support their learning and development. Every student deserves the chance to learn in an environment that is accessible and comfortable,” Dr. Sununu emphasized.
The Federal Government’s directive also includes a call for institutions to review their curricula and teaching methods to accommodate students with disabilities, ensuring that no student is disadvantaged in their academic pursuits. The minister urged schools to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity as part of their long-term development plans.
Conference Theme Aligns with Government’s Vision
The theme of the ARCEAHED conference, “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Educational and Economic Development,” aligns closely with the Federal Government’s vision of ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, is given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
In his address, Dr. Sununu pointed out that education is not just about academic achievement but also about providing individuals with the tools they need to thrive in their communities and the broader economy. He noted that by advancing the educational opportunities for PWDs, Nigeria is paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
“This theme is quite appropriate as it speaks directly to the heart of our shared mission: ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, is given the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead in their communities and beyond,” the minister said.
Applauding JAMB’s Role in Promoting Inclusivity
Dr. Sununu also used the occasion to commend the leadership of JAMB for their dedication to promoting inclusivity in higher education. He praised the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, and the entire management and staff of JAMB for their transparent and accountable approach to admissions.
“I must commend the leadership of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board under Prof. Is-haq Oloyede for projecting the true colors of the present administration with emphasis on proactiveness, transparency, accountability, and unalloyed commitment to the advancement of this country through the instrumentality of education,” he said.
Dr. Sununu further acknowledged the pivotal role JAMB has played in ensuring that the UTME process is accessible to all, including PWDs. He highlighted the Board’s efforts to provide special accommodations for PWDs during the registration and examination processes, which have contributed to the increased participation of students with disabilities in recent years.
The Road Ahead for Inclusive Education
As Nigeria moves forward with these new initiatives, the government’s focus is on ensuring that education remains a powerful tool for social and economic development. The policy changes announced at the ARCEAHED conference mark a significant step toward creating a more inclusive education system, one that recognizes the potential of every individual and provides them with the resources they need to succeed.
By waiving the Post-UTME requirement and promoting accessibility in tertiary institutions, the Federal Government is not only ensuring that PWDs have equal access to education but also demonstrating its commitment to building a more inclusive society where everyone can contribute to national development.
The journey toward inclusivity is ongoing, but with the reforms being implemented, there is hope that Nigeria’s education system will continue to evolve to meet the needs of all its citizens, particularly those with disabilities.
As Dr. Sununu concluded his speech at the conference, he left the audience with a powerful reminder: “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of every individual, and it is our responsibility as a nation to ensure that no one is left behind. By working together, we can build an inclusive education system that empowers all Nigerians, regardless of their abilities.”
The ARCEAHED conference, with its focus on equal access to higher education, serves as a platform for further discussions on how Nigeria can continue to promote inclusivity and ensure that every citizen is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
