In a significant move to promote inclusive education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates with disabilities will receive free application forms for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The initiative, confirmed by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Board’s headquarters in Abuja, is part of efforts to ensure that no qualified student is denied access to higher education due to physical or learning challenges.
According to Prof. Oloyede, the policy will be implemented through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group and targets eligible candidates living with conditions such as Down Syndrome, autism, dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
“To support persons living with disabilities, JAMB will issue free application documents to all eligible candidates in this category. However, such candidates must possess a minimum of five credit passes at the O’Level, obtained in not more than two sittings,” the Registrar stated.
In addition, JAMB plans to provide audiobooks and other accessible learning materials for blind candidates, available in digital formats including MP3, WMV, and WMA. Prof. Oloyede emphasized that the measure aligns with the Board’s broader mandate of fairness and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s admission process.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to equity. Every candidate, regardless of physical or learning challenges, deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education,” he said.
