Abuja, Nigeria – April 21, 2026
In a powerful demonstration of commitment to inclusive education in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has once again stepped forward to support visually impaired candidates participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
At the NOUN Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja—designated as the official examination centre for blind candidates—an atmosphere of determination and possibility filled the air as candidates confidently took on one of Nigeria’s most critical academic milestones.
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to break down barriers in the education system. He emphasized that inclusive education is not merely a policy aspiration but a practical commitment being realized through deliberate investments in accessible infrastructure and supportive learning environments.
According to him, NOUN has consistently prioritized accessibility, ensuring that its facilities cater to the diverse needs of learners, particularly persons with disabilities. “Education must be a level playing field,” he noted, underscoring the institution’s role in fostering equal opportunity for all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the centre, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, commended NOUN for its unwavering dedication to inclusion. Addressing the candidates, he delivered a message of encouragement, urging them to rise above societal limitations and demonstrate their capabilities.
“This moment is not just about writing an examination,” Hon. Gufwan stated. “It is about proving that disability does not define ability. It is about showing Nigeria and the world what is possible when barriers are removed.”
He highlighted the Commission’s ongoing efforts to support candidates with disabilities during JAMB examinations, including the provision of assistive devices tailored to their needs. These interventions, he explained, are essential in ensuring that no candidate is disadvantaged due to disability.
Providing context to the scale of the initiative, Hon. Gufwan revealed that 536 candidates with disabilities registered for the 2026 UTME nationwide. He stressed that such efforts are part of a broader national agenda to promote inclusive education, noting that over 11 million visually impaired Nigerians—and an estimated 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities—stand to benefit from sustained inclusion policies.
“Inclusive education is not charity,” he added. “It is a right. And when we get it right, we unlock the potential of millions who can contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Adding his voice, Professor Sunday Ododo, Abuja Centre Coordinator for the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), reaffirmed the group’s commitment to equity in the examination process. He stressed that no qualified candidate should be denied access to UTME due to disability, describing the presence of key stakeholders as a morale booster for the candidates.
“The collaboration you see here today is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions work together for a common purpose,” he said. “It sends a strong message that Nigeria is moving towards a more inclusive future.”
Observers at the centre noted the seamless coordination between stakeholders, with candidates receiving the necessary support to navigate the examination process with confidence and dignity. From assistive technologies to a conducive environment, every detail reflected a deliberate effort to remove barriers and empower participants.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward inclusive development, initiatives like this stand as a beacon of progress—reminding policymakers, educators, and citizens alike that true national growth lies in leaving no one behind.
The collaboration between NCPWD and NOUN during the 2026 UTME is more than an intervention; it is a statement of intent—a bold step toward a future where access to education is universal, equitable, and truly inclusive.
