The quest for inclusive education in Nigeria took a significant leap forward with the establishment of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) in 2017. This initiative, spearheaded by JAMB Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede, marked a pivotal moment in promoting access to tertiary education for People with Disabilities (PWDs). Aimed at creating a level playing field in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), JEOG consists of an 11-member committee led by Professor Peter Okebukola, dedicated to ensuring that no candidate faces discrimination based on their disabilities.

This initiative is part of JAMB’s broader policy framework designed to enhance inclusivity in assessment outcomes. Among the nine key initiatives introduced, one of the most impactful reduced the UTME process to just nine computer keys, while eight additional groups were established to further support inclusive assessment practices.

Before the launch of this initiative, the path to higher education for candidates with disabilities faced numerous challenges. Remarkably, the 2023/2024 academic session saw candidates with disabilities gain admission to 133 institutions nationwide, a feat achieved without any external pressure on Oloyede to implement such changes.

To ensure effective management and support for candidates with disabilities, a group of experienced academics specializing in special education and representatives from relevant organizations was appointed. The results speak for themselves, as the logistics of administering the UTME for these candidates have improved significantly over the years. Notably, in 2021, JAMB established 11 examination centers across the country’s six geopolitical zones, providing transportation and accommodation for candidates and their guides.

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In 2014, only 44 candidates with disabilities were admitted to higher education institutions, but by 2021, this number had surged to 286, demonstrating the positive impact of these initiatives. Furthermore, JEOG played a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by PWDs by hosting the first national conference in Abuja, themed “Towards Increasing Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria,” which took place from September 24-27, 2023. Over 500 participants attended, representing various sectors of Nigerian society.

Building on the momentum of this conference, JEOG organized the inaugural Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) on September 17-18 in Abuja. The event focused on “Advancing the Potential of Persons with Disabilities in Educational and Economic Development,” assessing the progress of African nations in fulfilling the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive, equitable quality education.

The conference also served as a platform to address the challenges PWDs face in accessing higher education, while proposing practical solutions to enhance educational opportunities for students with special needs. Key decisions were made, including calls for a pro-rata increase in equitable admission spaces for PWDs and better information dissemination regarding available facilities in institutions.

Moreover, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, affirmed the federal government’s commitment to inclusive education through the Ministerial Roadmap for Inclusive Access to Quality Higher Education in Nigeria (2024-2028) Strategic Plan.

Ultimately, JAMB’s initiatives, particularly through JEOG, have laid a foundation for meaningful discussions and strategies to improve enrollment rates for PWDs in Nigeria and across Africa, fostering a more inclusive educational landscape.