Osun State People with Disabilities pays courtesy visit to JAMB office

As part of efforts to promote inclusive education in Osun State – particularly as it affects people with disabilities (PWDs) in education, business, and corporate sectors -the Bureau for People with Disabilities (BPWD) recently paid a courtesy visit to the JAMB State Office in Osogbo.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Rotarian Ayobami Oyewumi Oyetunde, who led the delegation, stated that the visit aimed to address key concerns affecting candidates with disabilities and to seek partnership in prioritizing their welfare.

Mr. Oyetunde explained that the agency was established in January 2025 following the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Law, 2024. He reiterated that the agency’s core objective is to foster inclusiveness for people with disabilities in the education sector, as well as in business and corporate environments.

He commended JAMB’s initiatives supporting PWDs and appealed for more collaboration to make life better and more conducive for them. He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting and partnering with JAMB in addressing the challenges faced by PWDs.

In his response, the Osun State Coordinator of JAMB, Mr. Babatunde Jacob, applauded the state government for setting up the agency and provided insight into the establishment of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) by the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, in 2017.

Mr. Jacob explained that JEOG is responsible for ensuring an inclusive environment for candidates with disabilities during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and for facilitating equal access to higher education.

He also highlighted the JEOG Conference held in 2024—the first of its kind—titled: Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education, with the theme “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Educational and Economic Development.”

Jacob cited several JAMB interventions, including the establishment of specially adapted centres in Oyo, Osun, and Kwara; full funding of examinations for PWDs; provision of feeding and accommodation for them and their guides; transport support; appointment of proctors to read out questions; provision of assistive tools such as Braille slates and styluses; branded T-shirts; fee refunds for eligible candidates; and availability of medical personnel during examinations.

In conclusion, Mr. Oyetunde urged JAMB to consider establishing a specially adapted UTME centre for candidates with disabilities in Osun State, noting that Governor Ademola Adeleke would be delighted if the request is granted.