The Federal Government has directed universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions to offer direct admission to candidates with disabilities, who meet the minimum admissible scores for their chosen programmes after participating in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, issued the directive in Abuja on Tuesday during the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED).
Dr. Sununu emphasised that the move was part of the government’s commitment to ensuring education for all.
He commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), led by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for championing the cause of equal access to education for all, particularly persons with disabilities.
“JAMB also sought and obtained approval at the 67th National Council on Education meeting to exempt candidates with disabilities from Post/UTME Screening. I, therefore, reiterate, as already announced, that all tertiary institutions in Nigeria are to offer admissions to all candidates with disabilities who possess minimum admissible scores into the programmes of their choice after writing UTME.
“This initiative, together with the ambitious target to enroll 825,000 students with disabilities cumulatively over the next five years, demonstrates Our unwavering commitment to realizing equal access to education.
“It is also important that I inform this gathering that the DOTS policy takes into consideration the unique needs of the vulnerable groups vis-à-vis their needs for quality education and assurance that every child, including those with disability challenges, will have adequate opportunities to acquire adequate skills to realize their full potential later in life,” the minister said.
According to Sununu, the theme of the two-day conference, ‘Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Educational and Economic Development’ was quite appropriate, as it speaks directly to the heart of our shared mission, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, is given the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead in their communities and beyond.
On his part, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, called for the establishment of a support centre for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to facilitate their access to education.
He proposed that the centre, equipped with the necessary technology and support, should have at least one branch in each geo-political zone of the country, under the auspices 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,” Oloyede said.
“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,” Prof. Oloyede added.