In a landmark gesture aimed at promoting inclusive education, the Federal Government, through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has sponsored 37 visually-impaired candidates to sit for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bauchi State.
The special examination initiative, conducted at the Bauchi Centre for the Blind, was coordinated by the University of Maiduguri. It drew participants from four northeastern states—Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe.
Speaking to journalists during the examination on Tuesday, Deputy Coordinator of the centre, Professor Hadiza Bazza, emphasized that the sponsorship is part of the government’s commitment to equal educational opportunities for persons living with disabilities.
“The idea behind this initiative is to ensure that blind and physically challenged persons are not left out of Nigeria’s education system,” she explained. “These candidates were selected across the Northeast, and they’re here today writing the UTME completely free of charge.”
Bazza highlighted that the initiative—known as the UTME Equal Opportunity Group—was introduced in 2017 by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede. She described him as a visionary who believes in the potential of every Nigerian, regardless of physical limitations.
“He saw that there are many people with disabilities who, if given the opportunity, can perform excellently instead of being left to beg on the streets,” she said.
According to her, the programme covers not only registration and exam fees, but also transportation, feeding, accommodation, and logistics for each candidate.
“Some of the beneficiaries who performed well in previous years are now studying in various universities, especially those that have faculties dedicated to special education,” Bazza revealed.
However, she expressed concern over the lack of adequate support at the grassroots level.
“While the federal government is playing its part, parents and local communities must do more to encourage these students. We need more awareness to help them access these opportunities,” she urged.
Bazza also advised the candidates to stay focused and disciplined during the exams.
On his part, Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, applauded JAMB for sustaining the programme, saying it has significantly improved the lives of persons with disabilities.
“We’re proud of what JAMB is doing. As a state, we will continue to encourage parents to help their children reach their full potential,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communication in Bauchi State, Usman Shehu, lamented the low school enrollment despite the government’s investment in educational infrastructure.
“Unfortunately, our people are yet to fully understand that without education, there can be no real development,” he remarked.
Usman emphasized the need for awareness, especially about education for people living with disabilities.
“Disability is not the end of learning. With the right support and mindset, these individuals can achieve anything. We are developing a comprehensive sensitization strategy to address this,” he added.
