In a bold move to strengthen disability inclusion in Nigeria’s education sector, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has entered into a landmark collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The partnership is expected to deliver targeted interventions that will address the critical challenges faced by candidates with disabilities, especially those who are blind and deaf, during examinations and admissions processes.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, on Monday, led a high-powered delegation of the Commission on a courtesy visit to JAMB headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, where they met with the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. The engagement marked a significant turning point in the national drive to institutionalize inclusive education in Nigeria.
A Call for Inclusive Reforms
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Gufwan commended JAMB for its steady efforts over the years to create opportunities for candidates with disabilities. He noted, however, that much more needed to be done to dismantle systemic barriers that continue to stifle the educational aspirations of many.
One of his strongest appeals was the recognition of sign language as a universal mode of communication for deaf students.
“Any other language other than sign language is vernacular,” he asserted, stressing that inclusive communication must become the foundation of Nigeria’s education system if true equity is to be achieved.
Gufwan further highlighted gaps in curriculum design, especially the lack of structured learning facilities for visually impaired students in subjects like mathematics. He urged JAMB to work closely with the Commission to formalize a sustainable framework that guarantees fair opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in both examinations and admissions.
JAMB’s Response: Commitment to Inclusion
In his response, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, warmly welcomed the NCPWD delegation and lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Hon. Gufwan to lead the Commission, describing it as “a square peg in a square hole.”
Prof. Oloyede assured that JAMB remained committed to building an equal-rights society, noting that the Board had already established a dedicated disability support unit. He disclosed that higher institutions across the country had been encouraged to replicate such structures and even expand into disability studies as an academic discipline.
On the specific requests presented by NCPWD, the Registrar announced the appointment of two JAMB Directors to serve as liaison officers with the Commission, while urging NCPWD to reciprocate by assigning one of its own directors to interface directly with JAMB.
He further referred key concerns raised by the delegation to the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), the special body tasked with designing and implementing inclusive policies for all categories of disabilities.
Prof. Oloyede strongly advocated for the widespread adoption of sign language in Nigeria, stressing:
“Sign language is not optional but a necessity. We must adopt it widely.”
He also recommended the issuance of official disability certificates to ensure only genuine candidates benefit from opportunities reserved for PWDs, thereby preventing abuse of the system.
Sealing the Partnership
The meeting reached its climax when the JAMB Registrar presented a plaque of recognition to Hon. Gufwan, symbolizing the formal establishment of a strategic partnership between the two institutions. The gesture underscored the shared commitment of JAMB and NCPWD to dismantle the barriers that have long hindered the educational advancement of persons with disabilities.
Observers at the meeting described the collaboration as a “landmark moment” in Nigeria’s education sector, one that could reshape policies and practices for years to come.
A New Dawn for Disability Inclusion in Education
The NCPWD–JAMB partnership is more than a routine engagement; it represents a renewed hope for thousands of Nigerian youths with disabilities who aspire to access tertiary education on equal footing with their peers. It signals a future where accessibility, fairness, and inclusivity are not afterthoughts but the bedrock of educational planning and delivery.
As Hon. Gufwan and Prof. Oloyede jointly affirmed, this collaboration is set to move beyond rhetoric to action—ensuring that no candidate, regardless of disability status, is left behind in the pursuit of academic excellence.
With this milestone, Nigeria takes another bold step toward building an inclusive academic environment that truly reflects the spirit of equity and justice enshrined in the nation’s constitution.
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