NCPWD ENHANCES STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH JAMB TO ADVANCE INCLUSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

In a major step towards fostering inclusivity in Nigeria’s education system, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has sealed a collaborative engagement with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to address the critical challenges faced by candidates with disabilities, particularly those who are blind and deaf.

The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, led a delegation of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, at the Board’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Gufwan commended JAMB’s consistent commitment to promoting inclusivity in tertiary education and called for deeper interventions to ease the barriers experienced by candidates with disabilities. He particularly emphasized the recognition of sign language as a universal language of communication, stating:

> “Any other language other than sign language is vernacular.”

The Executive Secretary further highlighted systemic challenges in Nigeria’s education framework, citing the absence of structured learning facilities for mathematics for students with visual impairments. He urged JAMB to formalize a partnership with the Commission to provide tailored solutions that will ensure fair and equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities across examinations and admissions.

In his response, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Hon. Gufwan, describing the appointment as “a square peg in a square hole.” He reaffirmed JAMB’s unwavering support for the Commission’s vision of building an inclusive Nigeria.

The Registrar disclosed that JAMB has already created a dedicated unit for disability support, and has encouraged higher institutions to establish similar structures, not only to support Persons with Disabilities but also to promote disability studies as a field of knowledge.

Addressing the Commission’s requests, Prof. Oloyede announced the appointment of two JAMB Directors to serve as liaisons with NCPWD, while advising the Commission to reciprocate by designating a director to interface with JAMB. He also referred to the issues raised to the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), the body responsible for designing inclusive provisions for all categories of disabilities.

Prof. Oloyede further underscored the necessity of mainstreaming sign language and recommended the issuance of official disability certificates to prevent abuse of opportunities designated for Persons with Disabilities.

> “Sign language is not optional but a necessity. We must adopt it widely,” the Registrar stressed, while reaffirming JAMB’s commitment to an equal-rights society.

The highpoint of the meeting was the presentation of a plaque of recognition by the JAMB Registrar to the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, symbolizing the formal establishment of the partnership between both institutions.

This landmark collaboration represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to dismantle educational barriers for Persons with Disabilities and to promote an inclusive academic environment where no one is left behind.