501 Blind Candidates to Sit for 2025 UTME, Says JAMB Official
Special Examination Arrangements for Visually Impaired Students
No fewer than 501 blind candidates are set to take the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across eleven designated centers nationwide. This announcement was made by Professor Peter Okebulola, Chairman of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), during preparations for the upcoming examination.
JAMB’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has scheduled the special needs examination to hold from April 28 to April 29, 2025, covering 20 subjects. Professor Okebulola emphasized that “the candidates take the same test papers as regular candidates, and standards are not lowered in any form.”
The JEOG was established in 2017 by JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, with Professor Okebukola appointed as chairman to oversee the smooth conduct of UTME for blind and other special needs candidates.
Special Accommodations and Support
This year, 84 blind candidates who meet SSCE admission requirements will have their UTME registration fees refunded during the examination. Professor Okebulola highlighted five additional support measures provided since 2017:
- Free hotel accommodation for candidates and their guides
- Free Braille slate and stylus
- Customized T-Shirts
- Free meals throughout the examination period
- Transportation support for candidates and guides
Innovative Examination Modes
“For the second consecutive year, JAMB through JEOG will implement the bimodal system of UTME administration,” Okebukola stated. “This involves Fully-Braille and Fully Read-Aloud options, with candidates free to choose their preferred mode.”
The number of blind candidates taking UTME has shown significant growth in recent years: 348 in 2022, 313 in 2023, and 529 in 2024.
Recognition for JAMB’s Efforts
Professor Okebulola, who also serves as President of the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi-Africa), praised JAMB Registrar Prof. Oloyede as “one of the strongest pillars of equal opportunity for access to higher education in Africa.”
After consulting with GUNi-Africa members, Okebulola concluded that “Nigeria, through Professor Oloyede, stands clearly out as the best in Africa for supporting blind candidates aspiring for higher education.”
For more details, read the original article on Daily Trust.