JAMB to Establish Special Counseling Centers for Candidates with Disabilities in 2024 UTME

JAMB to Establish Special Counseling Centers for Candidates with Disabilities in 2024 UTME

In preparation for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is taking a significant step to support candidates with disabilities by setting up counseling and development centers tailored to their unique needs. This move by JAMB demonstrates their commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all aspiring students.

These counseling and development centers will make use of JAMB’s advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, which will be specifically designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The aim is to remove any barriers that may hinder these candidates from completing their application processes smoothly and to help them overcome the challenges that may arise in their chosen fields of study.

The establishment of these centers is a response to the recent “National Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria,” where various issues related to candidates with special needs were discussed. JAMB recognizes the importance of addressing these issues and providing solutions to ensure that every candidate has an equal opportunity to pursue higher education.

The counseling centers will serve as collaborative platforms between JAMB and the public, where candidates with disabilities can identify their educational goals and explore potential solutions to the obstacles they may face. These centers will also help improve communication skills, boost self-esteem, and promote inclusivity.

To ensure the success of these centers, JAMB will collaborate with other government agencies and educational institutions in the sector. By working together, they can provide guidance and counseling services that are tailored to the unique needs of candidates with disabilities.

One of the key issues raised during the conference was the undue interference of parents in the course choices of candidates with disabilities. In response to this concern, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has announced a new policy. Going forward, no parent will have the authority to influence the admission choices of candidates with disabilities. This change aims to ensure that candidates can freely select courses that align with their individual interests and abilities.

The establishment of counseling and development centers for candidates with disabilities is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible educational system in Nigeria. By leveraging ICT tools and collaborating with various stakeholders, JAMB is working to remove barriers and provide candidates with disabilities the support they need to pursue their dream careers.

Additionally, the decision to eliminate undue parental interference in course choices is a positive move towards granting candidates with disabilities the autonomy they deserve in their educational journey. As we approach the 2024 UTME, these initiatives will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape in Nigeria.