JAMB to Host Inaugural African Conference on Equal Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is gearing up for its first JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) African conference, scheduled for September 17-18, 2024, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja. The conference will focus on enhancing access to higher education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Africa.

Themed “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities in Educational and Economic Development,” the conference will feature participants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Egypt, and other African nations. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, underscored the importance of equal access to quality education, particularly for PWDs, at a recent news briefing.

Prof. Oloyede emphasized that the conference's goal is to improve the learning environment for PWDs in higher education institutions. He highlighted JAMB's ongoing efforts to provide equal opportunities through initiatives such as specialized testing centers and assistive technology.

“Ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities, is a fundamental right,” Prof. Oloyede stated. “Our commitment through JEOG is not only to open doors but to ensure these doors are accessible to all.”

The conference will address significant challenges faced by PWDs in accessing higher education and explore innovative solutions to make educational opportunities more inclusive across Africa.

JAMB’s proactive approach includes the introduction of specialized facilities and tools to support PWDs, aiming to set a standard for inclusivity in higher education.