A total of 577 blind candidates are gearing up to undertake the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, known as UTME, across 11 centers nationwide. The announcement was made by Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, Chairman of the Equal Opportunity Group at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), during a press briefing on Thursday regarding the forthcoming 2024 UTME for individuals with visual impairments and other special needs under JEOG.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, established the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group back in 2017 to cater to the needs of blind candidates and those with special requirements.
Okebukola disclosed, “For the first time this year, JAMB, through JEOG, will be implementing the bimodal system for UTME administration comprising Fully-Braille and Fully Read-Aloud options. Candidates are given the choice to select their preferred mode, with JEOG well-equipped by JAMB to ensure a comfortable testing experience for all candidates.”
Highlighting the surge in blind candidates, Okebukola mentioned, “This year showcases the highest number of blind candidates with 577 participants compared to 348 in 2022 and 313 in 2023. The increase for 2024 largely stems from enhanced advocacy efforts by JEOG, a trend that will be fortified in the future.”
Additionally, Okebukola, who also serves as the President of the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi-Africa), commended Oloyede for his unwavering commitment to facilitating equal access to higher education in Africa.
He remarked, “After consulting members of GUNi-Africa, it is unanimous that Nigeria, under the leadership of Professor Oloyede, excels in supporting visually impaired candidates seeking higher education, surpassing other African nations.”
Further elaborating on the initiatives undertaken for blind candidates, Okebukola stated, “All blind candidates meeting the minimum admission criteria for higher education in Nigeria will receive an on-site refund of their UTME registration fees during the examination.”
Enumerating the various provisions extended to blind candidates since 2017, Okebukola highlighted complementary offerings such as free hotel accommodations, Braille materials, customized attire, complimentary meal services throughout the examination period, and travel assistance for candidates and their guides, attributing these gestures as unparalleled in the African context.
In an accolade, Okebukola nominated Oloyede for the CNN Heroes Award, rallying support from across Africa to endorse the deserving recognition for the year 2024.
Discussing the distribution of candidates and center coordinators, many of whom are former Vice-Chancellors, Okebukola revealed that Kano boasts the largest cohort with 138 candidates overseen by Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello. Lagos follows with 88 candidates, coordinated by Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, among other centers across the country.
The examination is slated for April 22 and 23 across the designated eleven centers and encompasses 20 subjects, maintaining uniform test standards for both blind and regular candidates.