The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has reinforced its commitment to inclusive education by supporting visually impaired candidates participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The support initiative took place at the NOUN Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, designated as the Abuja centre for blind candidates sitting for the examination.
Speaking at the venue, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to inclusive education and equal access to quality learning opportunities for all Nigerians. He noted that the university has put in place accessible facilities aimed at removing barriers and creating an enabling environment for candidates with disabilities.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, commended NOUN for providing a conducive atmosphere that enabled visually impaired candidates to sit for the examination successfully. He encouraged the candidates to make the most of the opportunity and demonstrate their capabilities.
Gufwan further highlighted the Commission’s sustained efforts in supporting candidates with disabilities, particularly through the provision of assistive devices to enhance participation in examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
He disclosed that a total of 536 candidates with disabilities registered for the 2026 UTME nationwide, stressing that inclusive education initiatives are vital to empowering over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities, including more than 11 million who are visually impaired.
Also speaking, Professor Sunday Ododo, Abuja Centre Coordinator for the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), reiterated the group’s commitment to ensuring that no qualified candidate is excluded from the UTME on the basis of disability. He commended the NCPWD, NOUN leadership, and other stakeholders for their support, describing their presence as a morale booster for the candidates.
The joint efforts by NCPWD and NOUN underscore ongoing strides toward building an inclusive education system where no candidate is left behind.
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