The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated its dedication to promoting inclusive education by offering free accommodation, meals, and additional support services to candidates with special needs participating in its examinations across the country.
This was disclosed by the Centre Coordinator of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) in Ekiti State, Professor Saheed Aderinoye, while addressing journalists at the examination centre located at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti.
Aderinoye explained that the initiative, introduced about ten years ago by JAMB Registrar, Professor Isaq Oloyede, was created to remove barriers that hinder access to higher education, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
He stated that under the programme, candidates with special needs are exempted from paying registration fees. In addition, they are provided with free hotel accommodation within their examination centres, as well as meals throughout the examination period.
Beyond this, JAMB also subsidises transportation for the candidates from their various locations to the examination centres, including support for their aides or guides.
Aderinoye further noted that the Board works closely with host universities to ensure that the candidates sit for their examinations in a supportive and conducive environment. He commended the institutions for their continuous collaboration and contribution to the success of the programme.
He revealed that the initiative is currently operational in 11 designated centres nationwide, including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Ado-Ekiti, Oyo, Yola, Bauchi, Jos, and Kebbi. Providing participation details, he said the Ado-Ekiti centre recorded 24 candidates this year, while some other centres accommodated up to 100 candidates.
Despite these special provisions, Aderinoye emphasized that all candidates sit for the same examination as others, with the only difference being the added support to ensure fairness and equal opportunity.
“The questions are the same as those given to other candidates. What JAMB has done is to create an enabling environment that allows them to compete on equal terms,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Professor Olufemi Oke, praised JAMB for the initiative and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting efforts that promote inclusivity within the education sector.
