In a landmark move for inclusive education in Nigeria, 501 blind candidates are set to sit for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across 11 computer-based test (CBT) centres nationwide. This was revealed by Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, Chairman of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), during a press briefing in Abuja.
The special UTME session for visually impaired and special needs candidates is scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2025, and will feature 20 UTME subjects. Candidates will take the same UTME papers as regular candidates, with no reduction in exam standards.
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This initiative, overseen by JEOG since its inception in 2017 by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to equal access to higher education.
According to Okebukola, the number of blind candidates sitting for the UTME has steadily increased: 348 in 2022, 313 in 2023, and 529 in 2024. In 2025, 84 SSCE-qualified blind candidates will receive an on-the-spot refund of their UTME registration fees.
Welfare Support for Blind UTME Candidates
As part of JAMB’s inclusive education policy, candidates will benefit from the following at no cost:
- Free accommodation for candidates and their guides
- Free Braille slates and styluses
- Customized t-shirts
- Daily meals throughout the exam
- Transport stipends
This support places Nigeria at the forefront of disability-inclusive higher education in Africa.
Dual-Mode Exam System: Braille and Read-Aloud
For the second time, JAMB will implement a bimodal testing system – Fully Braille and Fully Read-Aloud formats – allowing candidates to choose their preferred method of taking the exam.
CBT Centre Distribution and Coordinators
Top academic figures will serve as centre coordinators, ensuring a smooth exam process:
- Lagos (107 candidates) – Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun (Former VC, LASU)
- Kano (91) – Prof. Muhammad Yahuza Bello (Former VC, BUK)
- Oyo (69) – Prof. Taoheed Adedoja (Former Minister of Sports)
- Others include centres in Abuja, Ado-Ekiti, Bauchi, Benin, Enugu, Kebbi, Jos, and Yola
Admissions and Success Rate
In 2024, over 70% of JEOG candidates gained admission into top Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, pursuing courses such as:
Law, Computer Science, Special Education, Medicine, Civil Engineering, Pharmacy, Mass Communication, and more.
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Some Institutions Offering Admission Include:
- University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Federal University of Technology, Akure
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Bayero University, Kano
- Federal Polytechnic, Oko, LASU, Covenant University
- And over 50 other accredited Nigerian institutions
This initiative reflects JAMB’s strong commitment under the leadership of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing higher education, regardless of physical challenges.
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