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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Thirty- three special candidates are participating in the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ( UTME) of the Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board Equal Opportunity Group in Ekiti State.
Speaking with newsmen at the Ekiti State University(EKSU), Ado-Ekiti centre of the examination, the Centre Coordinator, JAMB EQUAL OPPORTUNITY GROUP (JEOG), Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, said that the board will continue to ensure inclusive and equal tertiary education opportunities for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) and cater for interested special candidates seeking admission into universities in the country.
Prof Aderinoye who said that the examination holds every year in 11 centres across the country, explained that the 33 candidates sitting for this year’s examination in the Ado-Ekiti centre were drawn from Ekiti, Ondo and other places, noting that the examination is being conducted in line with JAMB’s guidelines.
Prof Aderinoye said, “At the inception of office of the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, he established JAMB EQUAL OPPORTUNITY GROUP (JEOG) to ensure that Persons Living With Disabilities have equal opportunity to tertiary education, either blind, autism, limb or whatever type of disability, to write exam.
” And we have three categories of disable candidates here today, we have the blind, the autism and we have the limb.
” And the group has been providing equal opportunity to every candidate in Nigeria and for JAMB to do this, it is. commendable. During examination, JAMB provides for the candidates’ hotel accommodations, their feeding, their transportation from their homes to the centres and from the centres back to their homes. It is a kind of supplementary support.
“We have 33 candidates from Ekiti and Ondo States and some from outside these areas. We have 11 centres across the country and all the materials the candidates are using for the exam are provided by JAMB.”
He noted that JEOG has been effective since its establishment, and this has reflected in the admission rate of special candidates into higher institutions. “We have been having increase in the admission rate of people living with disabilities. The group is not just an ad- hoc group because the group has been meeting from the last exam till today to prepare for this exam.
“This year, the candidates have T.Shirts different from that of their guides and everything about their accommodation, feeding, mobility and others are done by JAMB. ”
He appreciated the management of EKSU and the State Government for choosing the school as one of the centres in the country.
Speaking before the commencement of the exam, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, commended the management of JAMB for the programme.
The VC who was represented by EKSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Prof. Ayantunji Adeleke, said the programme is a good one providing candidates with disabilities the opportunity to write exam and get admission into institutions of higher learning. He thanked JAMB for choosing the university as one of the centres for the special candidates to sit for the examination.
In her speech, the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, said the state government commended the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for the initiative.
The Governor’s aide described the initiative as a way of ensuring a level playing field for all candidates in the country irrespective of their physical abilities. She appreciated the Chairman of JEOG, Prof. Peter Okebukola and the management of JAMB for their dedication and passion for the cause.
Mrs Agboola who hailed JAMB for promoting inclusivity and diversity, said the programme has provided many physically challenged candidates access to write UTME and pursue their careers in higher institutions. She stated that the policies of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led government in the state are also People With Disabilities friendly, noting that the state government would continue to work with JAMB to give equal opportunity to people with disabilities.
She said, ” Education is not just a critical tool for personal growth, development, and empowerment, but also a powerful instrument for breaking down barriers and overcoming stigmas, especially for persons with disabilities. It equips them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to pursue their goals and contribute meaningfully to society. The JAMB UTME Examination is a crucial step in this journey of empowerment.
“I urge you to stay positive, believe in the immense potential within each of you, and never give up on your dreams. Remember that you are not defined by your disabilities, but by your abilities. You are capable of achieving greatness, and nothing can hinder you from reaching your full potential. Your abilities are limitless, and I have no doubt that you will make a significant impact in your chosen fields.
” I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to JAMB for its tireless efforts in promoting inclusivity and diversity. Your attention to the needs of candidates with disabilities is truly commendable. Let us continue working together towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone can thrive and realize their dreams.”
Mrs Agboola hinted that Ekiti State has the first fully furnished public school-adapted classroom for children with disabilities
She appealed to the Vice Chancellor of EKSU to establish a department of special education in the university.
