The Federal Government has mandated universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria to offer direct admissions to candidates with disabilities, provided they meet the minimum admissible scores for their chosen programmes after participating in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This directive, part of the government’s broader agenda for inclusive education, was issued by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, during the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr. Sununu highlighted the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to providing equitable access to education for all citizens. He commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) under the leadership of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede for its role in advocating for inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities.
“JAMB has sought and obtained approval at the 67th National Council on Education meeting to exempt candidates with disabilities from Post-UTME screening. I reiterate, as already announced, that all tertiary institutions in Nigeria must offer admissions to all candidates with disabilities who possess the minimum admissible scores into the programmes of their choice after writing the UTME,” Dr. Sununu stated.
The minister also emphasized the government’s ambitious plan to enroll 825,000 students with disabilities over the next five years, affirming its commitment to ensuring equal access to quality education for all. “This initiative demonstrates our dedication to realizing equal access to education,” he said.
Addressing the conference theme, ‘Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Educational and Economic Development,’ Dr. Sununu remarked that it speaks directly to the nation’s shared goal of empowering every individual to succeed, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities.
He further explained that the government’s DOTS (Development of the Talents and Skills) policy takes into account the unique educational needs of vulnerable groups, ensuring that every child, including those with disabilities, has the opportunity to acquire skills necessary to reach their full potential.
On his part, JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede called for the creation of a support center specifically designed for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to help facilitate their access to education.
He proposed that such centers, equipped with necessary technology and resources, should be established in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones under the guidance of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
“The inaugural ARCEAHED presents a significant opportunity for JAMB and education stakeholders to gain insights on advancing inclusive education,” Prof. Oloyede remarked. “Education remains the cornerstone of self-actualization, and it is our collective duty to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to higher education.”
The two-day ARCEAHED conference has brought together policymakers, educational experts, and advocates to discuss strategies for improving educational access for persons with disabilities across Africa.
