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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Joint Examination and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged the Federal Government to support the efforts of individuals who venture into the establishment of special examination centres for blind people in Nigeria.
Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, the Coordinator of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group(JEOG)Ado-Ekiti Centre, for Blind Candidates, spoke on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State, during the conduct of the 2023 JAMB examination for Blind Candidates who chose Ekiti State University(EKSU) Ado-Ekiti, as their centre.
Prof Aderinoye explained that out of 336 visually impaired candidates who were writing the examination across Nigeria, 28 of the candidates were writing in Ekiti State.
He hinted that their hotel accommodation, transportation, feeding and writing materials were financed by JAMB because they are special candidates.
Prof Aderinoye underscored the need for the federal government to support people who set up such special examination centres by empowering them, while urging the government to equally pool resources to establish its own centres so that more people that are blind can enjoy such opportunity.
The Coordinator appreciated the wife of the state governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, who was present at the examination centre, saying her presence was a morale booster for those that are yet to key into the programme.
“Even for parents that are not educated to enable them know that there is a programme of such an opportunity and hope for them”.
The First Lady who said she liked to associate herself with the physically challenged as an educationist, reaffirmed her commitment to undertakings that would improve education which according to her is her constituency.
” As a society, we have the responsibility to ensure that every child has access to quality education regardless of his/her physical and mental disabilities, and essentially, socio-economic and political backgrounds”
She added that the efforts of JAMB have contributed immensely to the promotion of diversity, tolerance, acceptance and understanding among the physically challenged in the society.
She said, ” education is a fundamental human rights that every child is entitled to. We should provide education opportunity for all children irrespective of their condition”.
EKSU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor, Edward Olanipekun, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. James Ayodele, explained that it is incumbent on the university to ensure that education moves forward in Ekiti State.
The VC thanked the state government for its support for the university, adding that the management of the institution will continue to support the Governor Oyebanji- led administration in the state because of its commitment to education.
He also appreciated the First Lady for her concern for the university, and solicited her continued support to the institution.
The examination was facilitated by JAMB Equal Opportunity Group(JEOG)Ado-Ekiti Center, for Blind Candidates.
