Federal Government Sponsors 37 Visually Impaired Candidates for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Bauchi
Federal Government Sponsors 37 Visually Impaired Candidates for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Bauchi
The Federal Government, via the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has sponsored 37 visually impaired candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bauchi State.
At the examination center in Bauchi on Tuesday, Professor Hadiza Bazza, the Deputy Coordinator of the UTME Bauchi Centre for the Blind at the University of Maiduguri, spoke to reporters about this initiative. She emphasized that the sponsorship is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that individuals with special needs have equal access to education.
Professor Bazza noted that the candidates come from four states in the Northeast: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe. She explained that the special UTME Equal Opportunity Group program for blind candidates was launched by JAMB in 2017, spearheaded by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede. Oloyede recognized the necessity of offering support to individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or physically challenged, allowing them a chance to excel rather than face a life of begging.
Bazza expressed hope that every visually impaired student who completes secondary education would have the chance to register for and take the UTME. She highlighted that the examination is provided free of charge for blind candidates, with the federal government covering transportation, accommodation, meals, and other logistical needs.
Once they pass the exam, these students can gain admission to universities, some of which have specialized education faculties equipped to cater to their unique requirements.
Despite the government’s efforts at the national level, Bazza raised concerns about the lack of support from many grassroots stakeholders, particularly parents. She urged communities to increase awareness to encourage individuals with disabilities to seize available educational opportunities, stating that improved awareness could boost participation in future UTME sessions.
Bazza also advised the candidates to stay calm and focused during their examinations, underscoring the significance of discipline and compliance with the exam regulations.
Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, praised the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group for their contributions to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. He encouraged parents to support their children with disabilities in realizing their potential and building a brighter future.
Dr. Mohammed assured that the Bauchi State Government would enhance awareness campaigns to encourage more parents and guardians to participate in the special JAMB programs available.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu, lamented that despite investments in school infrastructure, enrollment figures remain low. He cautioned, “Unfortunately, our people are yet to realize that without education, nothing can progress.”
Shehu committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board to develop a comprehensive awareness initiative aimed at boosting school enrollment, particularly among individuals with disabilities. He emphasized that having a disability does not preclude educational attainment and that proper enlightenment could motivate more individuals with disabilities to pursue education.
