The 2025 edition of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has officially concluded across Nigeria, with a strong focus on inclusivity as 101 physically challenged candidates sat for the exam in Lagos under the special care of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Continuing its drive for inclusive education, JAMB—under the leadership of its registrar, Prof. Ish’aq Oloyede—once again prioritised accessibility for People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) through its flagship initiative, the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG).
The initiative, launched in 2017, is aimed at ensuring that visually impaired and physically challenged candidates can write the UTME in conditions that respect their unique needs, giving them a level playing field to pursue tertiary education.
In Lagos, the two-day UTME session for special candidates was held at the Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The Lagos Centre, which also covers Ogun State, was coordinated by Professor Lanre Fagbohun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University.
According to Prof. Fagbohun, JEOG’s vision is simple yet profound: equal opportunity for all. “The goal is to provide a platform where physically challenged candidates—whether they have visual impairment, hearing loss, or limited mobility—can write their exams in a setting tailored to their needs,” he explained.
He emphasised that placing special candidates alongside others in general centres would deny them the special attention they deserve. “These candidates are champions in their own right. JEOG ensures they are treated with the dignity and care their circumstances require.”
Across 11 special centres nationwide, JEOG—chaired by Distinguished Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola—carried out meticulous planning to ensure the seamless participation of the special candidates. Once candidates with disabilities are identified via their UTME applications, JEOG contacts them two months in advance to verify their details and coordinate their arrangements.
All logistics, including transportation, accommodation, feeding, and medical readiness (with ambulance support), are fully handled by JAMB. Each candidate is provided with a guide, and assistive tools like Braille materials, styluses, and other necessary aids are supplied at no cost.
In cases where candidates are unable to write due to physical limitations but can listen and dictate, JEOG provides trained personnel to write on their behalf after reading the questions aloud.
The candidates expressed immense appreciation for the support. Peace Chidinma, one of the participants, told Channels Television, “It’s not been so easy, but the centre provided help, accommodation, and feeding which enabled us give the exams our maximum attention.”
Another candidate, Chinaka Victory, who is visually impaired, called the initiative “fabulous,” and urged the government to build more inclusive institutions. “I would like to see a school for the blind established in every state, equipped with the special educational aids I enjoyed here,” he said.
This year’s effort by JAMB once again reinforces its commitment to educational equity, proving that disability is not a barrier to excellence—especially when inclusive systems are put in place.
