24 Candidates with Disabilities Participate in UTME in Ekiti, Receive Comprehensive Support
In a significant move towards inclusive education, no fewer than 24 candidates with disabilities sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ekiti State on Monday. The initiative, facilitated by the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), ensured these candidates received free accommodation, feeding, and other essential support services to enable their participation in the crucial examination.
JEOG Coordinator Highlights Decade-Long Initiative
Professor Rashid Aderinoye, the Coordinator of JEOG in Ekiti State, disclosed this development in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Speaking at the Ekiti State University (EKSU) examination center, he explained that the program was initiated ten years ago by the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede. "Professor Oloyede believed that everyone must be carried along, which is why he ensured both able and disabled individuals were involved," said Aderinoye.
The primary goal of this initiative is to create more opportunities and access to higher education for disadvantaged candidates. Aderinoye elaborated on the support provided: "JAMB ensures free registration for those with five papers at the registration point. During the exam, they receive free accommodation in hotels near the center, free feeding provided by JAMB, and subsidized transport from their villages or towns to the city for both candidates and their guides."
University Leadership Commends Government and JAMB Efforts
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, expressed gratitude to the federal government and JAMB for extending equal opportunities to disadvantaged candidates through JEOG. Represented by Professor Michael Olufemi Oke, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Development, Ayodele congratulated the candidates for seizing this opportunity.
"I am very impressed by what I heard the government is doing for them, such as free accommodation and feeding. That is why the university complements these efforts by providing free transportation and examination halls," said Ayodele. He emphasized that the university has adequate facilities to accommodate all interested candidates, reinforcing the belief that "there is ability in disability, and if we give equal opportunity to everybody in education, we can achieve great things."
Broader Implications for Educational Inclusion
This program underscores a commitment to inclusivity in Nigeria's educational system. By addressing barriers such as blindness, ear impairments, and physical disabilities like amputations, JAMB and its partners are paving the way for a more equitable academic environment. The initiative not only supports individual candidates but also sets a precedent for other institutions to follow, promoting a culture of accessibility and empowerment across the nation.
