A total of 61 visually impaired candidates participated in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) at the Enugu center under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) on April 23. These candidates were among the 577 individuals taking the exam across the country.
The examination took place at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) and included candidates from nine states in the southeast and south-south regions, namely Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa.
During the exam, candidates with various disabilities such as blindness, autism, and Down syndrome utilized different writing aids like brailles, typewriters, and stylos based on their specific needs. Some candidates also wrote using pens.
The coordinator of the UTME Blind Enugu Centre, Prof. Mosto Onuoha, highlighted that JAMB initiated the blind UTME program to provide equal opportunities for individuals with special needs to pursue higher education.
Prof. Onuoha emphasized the importance of recognizing opportunities for physically challenged individuals and mentioned that the exam format was adjusted to accommodate those who couldn’t take computer-based tests (CBT).
Another committee member, Prof. Okey Okechukwu, revealed that JAMB supported the visually impaired candidates by covering their transportation, accommodation, and meals for three days, including their guides, from their arrival on Sunday until their departure on Wednesday.
