Emmanuel Ochayi
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a step towards inclusivity by announcing the refund of fees paid for forms by visually impaired candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This decision was unveiled by Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun, Lagos Coordinator for Jamb Equal Opportunity Group, during an occasion at the University of Lagos.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Fagbohun expressed appreciation to the Registrar of Jamb, Prof Is’haq Oloyede, for initiating this idea. He emphasized the significance of recognizing and supporting physically challenged candidates in their academic pursuits.
“I will like to give kudos to the Registrar of Support, Prof Ishaq Oloyede. This year, he went a step further to return money paid by visually challenged candidates for the purchase of their registration documents – those who scored five credits in one sitting. They were not supposed to have paid for the forms, but in a circumstance whereby they have as of now done that, their money will be returned to them here, today,” Prof. Fagbohun stated.
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He provided the criteria for reimbursement, indicating that it applies only to visually impaired candidates who had five ‘O’ Level credits in one sitting. This gesture aims to encourage and empower physically challenged people in their pursuit of education.
The board’s commitment to inclusivity expands beyond fee reimbursement. Prof. Fagbohun highlighted the introduction of modern examination options tailored to the needs of visually impaired candidates by JAMB. In addition to the conventional ‘read aloud’ option, a ‘fully braille’ alternative has been presented, allowing candidates to independently read and react to questions utilizing braille materials.
“We allowed the candidates to just listen. The proctors would read aloud to them. But this year, we realized that some of them also want to use braille and read on their own and then answer the questions. So, we, in addition to the option of ‘read aloud,’ have also decided to introduce the option of ‘fully braille.’ This means we will print questions on braille for the candidates, and they will use the braille answer sheets to answer the questions,” Prof. Fagbohun explained.
Preparations for this year’s JAMB exams included proactive measures to guarantee the consolation and accessibility of examination venues for visually impaired candidates. Prof. Fagbohun noted that candidates allocated to the Lagos center were contacted well in advance and provided with necessary information and accommodations.
“They are being well taken care of, and whenever they will be returning to their destinations, they will be given transportation allowance,” he assured.
Prof. Fagbohun emphasized that the examination would cover different subjects, ranging from Government, Arabic, Use of English, Mathematics, and Biology, among others, underscoring the board’s commitment to facilitating equal opportunities for all candidates.
However, JAMB decision to reimburse fees for visually impaired candidates accomplishing academic milestones reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. By recognizing and supporting the unique needs of physically challenged individuals, the board aims to cultivate a more inclusive educational system where every Nigerian child has the opportunity to flourish.
