The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has successfully facilitated the admission of more than 4,216 candidates living with disabilities into Nigerian tertiary institutions over the last decade through its JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG). The milestone was revealed by the Chairman Emeritus of the initiative, Professor Peter Okebukola, who described the programme as one of the Board’s most impactful efforts in promoting equal access to higher education for all Nigerians, regardless of physical or developmental challenges.
Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), made the disclosure on Wednesday during the 2026 JAMB National Stakeholder Engagement on Inclusivity and Higher Education, held at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission in Abuja. He explained that the Equal Opportunity Group was established by the outgoing JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, to ensure that candidates with disabilities have the same opportunity as other applicants to participate in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and secure admission into higher institutions across the country.
According to Okebukola, the initiative has consistently recorded impressive outcomes, with an average of 53 per cent of participating candidates gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education every year. He noted that beneficiaries of the programme include candidates with visual impairment, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, albinism, hearing impairment, physical disabilities, and several other special needs. He described the achievement as evidence that inclusive educational policies can significantly improve access to tertiary education for persons living with disabilities.
“In the last 10 years, we have had 4,216 candidates with different categories of disabilities participate in the programme. On average, about 53% of them gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education every year,” he stated.
He maintained that JAMB does not lower academic standards for candidates with disabilities during examinations or admission consideration. According to him, every candidate sits for the same examination and answers the same questions irrespective of disability status. He added that many of the candidates have consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, proving that disability should never be viewed as a barrier to excellence when adequate support systems are in place.
Okebukola further revealed that several beneficiaries of the Equal Opportunity programme have gone on to excel in highly competitive disciplines, including Law, where they have performed remarkably well. He said their achievements continue to demonstrate that physical or developmental challenges do not define academic potential. He also disclosed that one of the major discussions at the stakeholder engagement focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing inclusive education and improving learning opportunities for students with disabilities across Nigeria’s higher education sector.
As part of activities marking the anniversary of the initiative, two publications were officially unveiled. The first, titled “A Peep Into The Future Of Higher Education In Nigeria,” was produced in honour of Professor Ishaq Oloyede and features contributions from 44 respected scholars who examined the future of tertiary education in the country. The second publication, authored by Professor Okebukola and titled “Early Start, Great Finish: Survival and Success,” provides practical guidance for parents, guardians, lecturers, and university administrators on supporting underage students admitted into tertiary institutions. The book was developed following consultations with 468 scholars and undergraduate students from different institutions.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Dr. Sonny Echono, commended Professor Ishaq Oloyede for introducing reforms that have enhanced the credibility, transparency, and integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. He also praised JAMB’s sustained commitment to expanding educational opportunities for candidates with disabilities. In recognition of outstanding contributions to inclusive education, JAMB honoured members of its Information Technology Department alongside several tertiary institutions that have consistently supported the successful implementation of inclusive admission policies across Nigeria.
