The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that it spends over N200,000 on each deaf candidate participating in its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as part of its commitment to inclusive and equitable education.

This was disclosed by the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Tuesday during a monitoring exercise at the Centre for the Blind located at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja. He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.

“It’s an expensive process—over N200,000 per candidate—but it’s a cost worth bearing,” Oloyede stated, emphasizing that inclusivity is not a luxury but a necessity in a just society.

According to JAMB, support for deaf candidates is fully integrated into general examination centres. All instructions are provided in writing, and candidates receive badges and visual prompts to ensure they are not disadvantaged in any way.

“We believe those who are differently abled can perform wonders. That’s why we ensure they feel valued by the nation,” Oloyede said. 

Beyond the exams, he added that any special-needs candidate who earns at least five credits is fully refunded their registration fee. “It’s our moral responsibility. It tells them: ‘You matter.’”

Currently, JAMB operates 11 specialized centres for candidates with disabilities across Lagos, Edo, Oyo, Kaduna, the FCT, and other states. Each is strategically located to bring examination services closer to candidates’ communities.

The inclusive policy—developed in collaboration with education experts like Emeritus Prof. Peter Okebukola—also serves as a framework for tertiary institutions, guiding them on how to admit and support students with special needs.

Thanks to these efforts, over 70% of last year’s physically challenged UTME candidates secured admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Speaking after her inspection, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, praised JAMB for “breaking barriers” in the Nigerian education system.

She noted that JAMB's efforts in providing full support—including transportation, accommodation, and personal aides—for 501 physically challenged candidates sitting for the 2025 UTME at the 11 specialized centres were nothing short of transformational.

“Without these provisions, many would never have had the opportunity to write this exam,” she remarked, hailing JAMB’s role in advancing the federal government’s inclusive education agenda.

The minister also disclosed that with JAMB leading the way in digital transformation and inclusive examination policies, similar reforms will soon be implemented by NECO and WAEC, aligning Nigeria with global best practices.

The Centre Coordinator at NOUN, Prof. Sunday Ododo, also lauded JAMB’s unwavering leadership.

“This is more than just an exam—it’s a national commitment to human dignity,” he said.