At least 501 visually impaired candidates are preparing to take the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at 11 designated centers across Nigeria. This was disclosed by Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola, Chairman of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), during a press briefing in Abuja.

Scheduled for April 28 and 29, the examination will feature 20 subjects, and visually impaired candidates will sit for the same test papers as sighted candidates, with no adjustments to standards. Prof. Okebukola commended the efforts of the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for advocating for equal access to higher education across Africa.

As part of the initiative, 84 visually impaired candidates with at least five O'Level credits in their SSCE will have their UTME registration fees refunded at the examination venue.

Regarding candidate distribution, Lagos leads with 107 registered participants, coordinated by Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University. Kano follows with 91 candidates under the coordination of Prof. Muhammad Bello, former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano.

In 2024, nearly 70% of JEOG candidates, including the visually impaired and albinos, successfully gained admission into tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. These individuals were admitted into diverse fields, including medicine, law, computer science, mass communication, and various engineering and education disciplines.

Institutions that have offered admission to these candidates span the country, including Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Lagos; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and many more.

The JEOG was established in 2017 by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, with Prof. Okebukola as its chairman, to ensure fair and inclusive UTME processes for visually impaired and special needs candidates. This initiative underscores the commitment to equity and access in Nigeria’s education system.