August 19, 2025 – The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) announced a new collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) aimed at tackling long-standing challenges faced by candidates with disabilities, especially those who are blind and deaf.
The agreement was sealed during a courtesy visit led by the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, to the JAMB headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, where he met with the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
During the meeting, Hon. Gufwan praised JAMB for its sustained efforts in promoting inclusivity in tertiary education. He called for deeper interventions that would reduce barriers limiting students with disabilities in Nigeria’s educational system.
Emphasizing the importance of sign language, he stated, “Any other language other than sign language is vernacular.” According to him, the lack of structured learning facilities, particularly in mathematics for students with visual impairments, remains a pressing issue. He urged JAMB to formalize a lasting partnership with the Commission to provide tailored solutions that will guarantee fair opportunities for all candidates with disabilities in examinations and admissions.
Responding to these calls, Prof. Oloyede applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Hon. Gufwan as the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, describing it as “a square peg in a square hole.”
He reiterated JAMB’s support for building an inclusive Nigeria and noted that the Board has already established a disability support unit. He also encouraged higher institutions to create similar structures, not only to assist persons with disabilities but to promote disability studies as a recognized academic discipline.
Addressing the specific requests from the Commission, the JAMB Registrar disclosed that two directors have been appointed to serve as official liaisons with NCPWD.
He further advised the Commission to reciprocate by designating a director to interface with JAMB, ensuring effective communication between the two institutions.
The issues raised by NCPWD were also referred to the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which is responsible for creating inclusive provisions across examinations for different categories of disabilities.
Prof. Oloyede strongly underscored the need to make sign language mainstream across Nigeria, describing it as a vital necessity. “Sign language is not optional but a necessity. We must adopt it widely,” he said.
The Registrar also recommended that disability certificates be issued officially to prevent abuse of opportunities specifically meant for persons with disabilities, highlighting the importance of maintaining fairness and credibility in the education system.
The meeting ended with a symbolic exchange as Prof. Oloyede presented a plaque of recognition to Hon. Gufwan. This presentation marked the formal establishment of the partnership between JAMB and the NCPWD.
This collaboration is being described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s efforts to remove barriers in education for persons with disabilities. With this step, both institutions are reinforcing their shared vision of an inclusive academic environment where equal access to education is guaranteed, and where no student is left behind.