JAMB to Host First Africa Regional Conference on Equal Access to Higher Education

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will host its inaugural Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) in Abuja on Tuesday. The conference, themed "Advancing Equal Opportunity Access to Higher Education: A Call to Action," will feature participants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Egypt, and other African nations.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, highlighted the conference’s focus on enhancing access to higher education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and improving learning environments across Africa. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in education and reaffirmed JAMB's commitment to ensuring equitable access for all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities.

The conference will address key challenges and explore solutions to improve educational access for PWDs. Initiatives by JAMB include reduced UTME registration fees, free application documents for candidates with disabilities, and specialized examination settings.

Prof. Oloyede also praised recent government efforts and legislation aimed at supporting PWDs in education, including student loan schemes and inclusive policies.

The conference aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to build a more inclusive educational system, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.