JAMB Reduces UTME Fees for Visually Impaired and Disabled Candidates. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fee has been reduced to N3,500 for visually impaired candidates and others with disabilities.
This adjustment is part of efforts to improve access to tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced the reduction during a recent press briefing.
Why the Fee Reduction Matters
This move is aimed at increasing educational opportunities for PWDs, allowing them better access to higher education. JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, stressed the importance of equal access to education, highlighting that the fee reduction is a step toward reducing barriers and fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
Announcement of the Conference
In alignment with this initiative, JAMB will host its first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED). The event is scheduled for September 17-18, 2024, at the Idris Abdulkadir Conference Hall, National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.
Focus on Equal Access
The conference will focus on enhancing access to education for PWDs across Africa. Delegates from countries like Ethiopia, Malawi, and Egypt are expected to attend. The discussions will address the challenges faced by PWDs and explore innovative solutions to make education more accessible for everyone.
JAMB’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Oloyede emphasized that the focus is not only on providing opportunities but also on ensuring that these opportunities are genuinely accessible. Education is a fundamental human right, and it should include everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. The upcoming conference will serve as a platform to advance these goals, reflecting JAMB’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and improving the educational landscape for PWDs across the continent.
