The Federal Government, through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has sponsored 37 visually-impaired candidates to participate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bauchi State.
Speaking at the examination centre on Tuesday, the Deputy Coordinator of the UTME Bauchi Centre for the Blind, Professor Hadiza Bazza of the University of Maiduguri, said the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for persons with special needs.
According to her, the candidates were selected from four northeastern states—Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe.
She noted that the Equal Opportunity Group programme, launched in 2017 by JAMB, is tailored to support blind candidates. The programme was championed by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who recognized the untapped potential among persons with disabilities.
“He saw that with proper support, many blind and physically challenged individuals could succeed academically instead of resorting to street begging,” Bazza said.
She emphasized that the UTME for blind candidates is completely free, with the Federal Government covering the costs of transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other logistics.
Professor Bazza also expressed concern that, despite federal efforts, support at the grassroots—especially from parents—remains inadequate. She called for increased awareness to ensure more persons with disabilities take advantage of such opportunities.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, lauded the initiative and encouraged parents to support their children living with disabilities in pursuing education.
Echoing similar sentiments, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu, bemoaned low enrollment figures despite investments in school infrastructure. He pledged a new awareness campaign to boost school attendance, especially among persons with disabilities.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here