Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal Government has directed universities, polytechnics,and other tertiary institutions in the country to offer direct admission to candidates living with disabilities who sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and met the minimum admissible scores for their chosen programmes without post-UTME.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu gave the directive on Tuesday in Abuja during the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED).
He said the move was necessary to ensure equal access to education for all, particularly persons living with disabilities.
He added: “JAMB also sought and obtained approval at the 67th National Council on Education meeting to exempt candidates with disabilities from Post/UTME Screening. I, therefore, reiterate, as already announced, that all tertiary institutions in Nigeria are to offer admissions to all candidates with disabilities who possess minimum admissible scores into the programmes of their choice after writing UTME.
“This initiative, together with the ambitious target to enrol 825,000 students with disabilities cumulatively over the next five years, demonstrates Our unwavering commitment to realizing equal access to education.
” It is also important that I inform this gathering that the DOTS policy takes into consideration the unique needs of the vulnerable groups vis-à-vis their needs for quality education and assurance that every child, including those with disability challenges, will have adequate opportunities to acquire adequate skills to realize their full potential later in life.”
Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, advocated the need for the establishment of a support centre for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to facilitate access to education.
He proposed that the centre, equipped with the necessary technology and support, should have at least one branch in each geo-political zone of the country, under the auspices of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
“The inaugural ARCEAHED presents a significant opportunity for JAMB and education stakeholders to gain insights on advancing inclusive education.
“Education remains the cornerstone of self-actualization, and it is our collective duty to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to higher education,” he stated.