Ayodeji Ayenuwa
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a step to abolish the practice of parents influencing the choice of courses for their children with disabilities during the college admission process.
This change is a direct response to the impassioned plea of Stanley Onyebuchi, the National President of the National Association of Visually Impaired, at the inaugural Conference of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) in Abuja.
The JEOG conference, centered on fostering impartial access to higher education in Nigeria, unveiled the Strategic Roadmap for Inclusive Access to Quality Higher Education in Nigeria 2024-2028.
Expressing the significance of the decision, a representative from JAMB conveyed, “We have now decided that henceforth, just like with regular admissions, no parent will be allowed to have a say in the admission choice of candidates with disabilities.”
This declaration emphasizes JAMB’s commitment not only to widening the doors to education but also to leveling the playing field for all.
Stanley Onyebuchi, shedding light on the difficulties faced by visually impaired students, particularly in the pursuit of their desired courses, stated, “I want the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to take note of our complaints… Also, with the increment in the tuition fees, that has discouraged our members from going back to school. I want to suggest since the government wants our children to be out of the streets, there should be free education for all persons with disabilities in all the tertiary institutions.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who formally inaugurated the conference, emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring that every citizen enjoys equal access to education.
He urged educational institutions to place inclusive access at the forefront, with a focus on providing accessible learning environments, inclusive curricular, and readily available support services.
“All information from application processes in the format that will suit the PWDs must also be ensured,” he emphasized.
The Ministry of Education affirmed its commitment to policies fostering inclusivity and unity. Dr. Bashiru Daudu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability, shared plans to launch an awareness campaign about the Disability Act of 2018, with implementation slated for January 2024.
Furthermore, Sen. Ahmad Kaita, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, pledged to explore innovative funding methods to ensure equal opportunities for higher education for all Nigerians.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
