The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a significant reduction in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fee for visually impaired candidates and others with disabilities. The new fee is now set at N3,500, down from the previous amount.
Why the Fee Reduction Matters
This adjustment is a critical step towards improving access to tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs). By lowering the cost of the UTME, JAMB aims to remove financial barriers that might hinder PWDs from pursuing higher education.
JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, highlighted the importance of equal access to education. He noted that this fee reduction is a move towards creating a more inclusive educational environment, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their physical or sensory challenges, have the opportunity to succeed in higher education.
Upcoming Africa Regional Conference on Equal Access to Higher Education
In line with its commitment to enhancing educational access for PWDs, JAMB will be hosting the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED).
Event Details
- Dates: September 17-18, 2024
- Location: Idris Abdulkadir Conference Hall, National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja
The conference will bring together delegates from across Africa, including Ethiopia, Malawi, and Egypt. The focus will be on addressing the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing education and exploring innovative solutions to make education more accessible.
Key Conference Objectives
- Improving Access: Identify and discuss ways to enhance educational opportunities for PWDs.
- Sharing Solutions: Explore innovative approaches and best practices from different countries.
- Promoting Inclusivity: Develop strategies to create more inclusive educational environments across Africa.
JAMB’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Oloyede emphasized that ensuring educational opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations, is a fundamental human right. The upcoming conference is part of JAMB’s broader efforts to promote inclusivity and advance equal access to education across the continent.
This fee reduction and the ARCEAHED conference reflect JAMB’s dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering a more equitable educational landscape for all students.
Conclusion
The reduction in UTME fees for visually impaired and disabled candidates is a landmark decision that underscores JAMB’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment. By making tertiary education more accessible and affordable for persons with disabilities, this initiative not only removes financial barriers but also paves the way for greater educational equity.
The upcoming Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) further exemplifies JAMB’s dedication to addressing and overcoming the challenges faced by PWDs in higher education. This conference will be a vital platform for sharing knowledge, exploring innovative solutions, and promoting a more inclusive educational framework across the continent.
As we move forward, it is essential to continue supporting and advocating for inclusive practices that ensure every individual has the opportunity to achieve their educational aspirations. Let us embrace these changes and work together to build a future where educational opportunities are truly equal for all.
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