The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has deepened its collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in a renewed push to remove barriers faced by candidates with disabilities in Nigeria’s education system.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, led a delegation to JAMB’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, where they were received by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. The meeting focused on advancing inclusive education for blind and deaf candidates, as well as other students with disabilities.
Hon. Gufwan commended JAMB for its longstanding efforts in fostering inclusivity and urged stronger interventions to close existing gaps. He stressed the urgent need to recognize sign language as a universal medium of communication, describing it as indispensable for learning and participation.
He also drew attention to the lack of structured mathematics learning systems for visually impaired students and called for a formalized partnership that will guarantee equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in examinations and admissions.
Responding, Prof. Oloyede praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Gufwan’s appointment, which he described as “a square peg in a square hole.” He reaffirmed JAMB’s readiness to support the Commission’s vision, noting that the Board had already set up a dedicated disability support unit and encouraged higher institutions to follow suit.
To strengthen collaboration, Prof. Oloyede appointed two JAMB Directors as liaison officers to NCPWD and advised the Commission to reciprocate by assigning a director to interface with JAMB. He further emphasized mainstreaming sign language and the issuance of official disability certificates to ensure fairness and accountability in access to opportunities.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of a plaque of recognition from JAMB to NCPWD, symbolizing the start of a new chapter in promoting inclusive education across Nigeria.
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