The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has been concluded nationwide, with 101 physically challenged candidates sitting for the exam in Lagos under specially arranged conditions. These efforts were facilitated through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), a programme aimed at ensuring comfort, support, and fairness for people living with disabilities.
The initiative, introduced in 2017 by JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ish’aq Oloyede, was designed to ensure that candidates with visual impairments, hearing difficulties, or physical limitations are given equal access to the exam under conditions tailored to their needs. This year, 11 special centres were established across the country, coordinated by Distinguished Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola. In Lagos, the examination took place over two days at the Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), serving candidates from both Lagos and Ogun States.
Professor Lanre Fagbohun, a professor of environmental law, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, coordinated the Lagos Centre. He explained the vision behind JEOG, stating that the initiative was born out of a desire to create a truly inclusive examination system.
“The goal of the body is to look at how to create an equal opportunity for people living with disabilities, and these are people who have problems with vision, those who have hearing impairment, those who have locomotor (movement) disadvantage,” Fagbohun said.
“So, JAMB felt that these people are also champions in their rights, but if you put them under the same conditions at the general centre with candidates who have no disability, nobody will recognise the need to give them the special care and attention that they deserve.”
He shared that JEOG starts preparations months in advance by contacting candidates who indicate disabilities during registration. Their details are reviewed, subject combinations verified, and arrangements are made to ensure each candidate writes the exam in the most appropriate centre. Candidates are contacted two months before the exam to confirm their location and requirements. Upon approval, each candidate is invited to arrive a day ahead of their exam.
On arrival, both the candidates and their guides are given hotel accommodation and meals, courtesy of JAMB. Transport to and from the exam venue is also provided, along with medical support through an on-site ambulance service. Depending on their needs, candidates are given tools such as Braille and stylus kits, while others who may not be able to write are assisted by guides who transcribe their answers during the exam. All of these services are covered by JAMB and JEOG.
Many of the candidates expressed appreciation for the support and care provided. Peace Chidinma, one of the candidates, said, “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, added, “The measures put in place are fabulous and the government should continue this way. I would like to see a school for the blind established in each state of the country with all the special educational aids which I have enjoyed using for my exams.”
With this year’s exercise, JAMB continues to set a strong example in inclusive education, ensuring that no candidate is left behind due to physical limitations.
The Students Forum Nigeria serves as the ultimate hub for Nigerian students, fostering academic growth, social engagement, and knowledge sharing.
