JAMB Rolls Out Inclusive UTME as 530 Special Needs Candidates Sit Exams Nationwide

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates with special needs, with 135 participants sitting the exam at the Kano centre.

The examination, organised by JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), is being conducted simultaneously across 11 specialised centres nationwide. The Kano centre, hosted at Bayero University Kano School of Continuing Education, recorded the highest turnout this year, drawing candidates from Kano and neighbouring states.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, the JEOG Kano Coordinator, Yahuza Bello, described the initiative as a major step toward inclusive education.

“About 530 candidates with special needs are sitting the UTME nationwide under conditions adapted to their requirements,” he said.

Bello explained that candidates who are unable to take the standard computer-based test due to disabilities—including visual impairment, albinism, Down syndrome, and autism—are examined using specially adapted methods in controlled environments.

He also referenced the JEOG Chairman, Peter Okebukola, who noted that the initiative reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to inclusive education beyond examinations.

According to Bello, the specialised centres are equipped with assistive tools such as Braille machines, slates, styluses, and typewriters, alongside trained personnel including scribes and invigilators experienced in supporting candidates with disabilities.

Despite these accommodations, he stressed that the examination maintains the same standard as the regular UTME.

Bello further revealed that approximately 34 per cent of special needs candidates have gained admission into tertiary institutions over the years, benefiting around 1,700 students.

Highlighting a success story, he mentioned Zainab Ibrahim, a former candidate who is currently in her final year studying dietetics and nutrition at Bayero University, Kano.

The Kano centre, established in 2017, serves candidates from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara states. Additional centres in Bauchi, Birnin Kebbi, and Yola were later introduced to ease travel challenges.

Bello also noted that JAMB provides free accommodation, feeding, and transportation for candidates during the examination period, and refunds registration fees for those who declare their disabilities and meet academic requirements.

He commended the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Haruna Musa, for supporting the initiative, including the establishment of a special ICT centre for students with special needs.