Candidates With Down's Syndrome and Autism Tackle UTME
Among those taking the current Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Monday were two candidates with Down syndrome and another two with autism.
Among the 22 visually impaired candidates who took the UTME in Kano, these four are notable participants.
The coordinator of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for the Kano center, Professor Muhammad Yahuza-Bello, revealed this information when he spoke with reporters following his supervision of the exam on Monday.
The assessment took place at the School of Continuous Learning, Bayero University Kano, as part of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group designed for students with special needs.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Yahuza-Bello stated that the 92 candidates were selected from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna states.
"Among the 92 candidates, two have Down syndrome, and another two have autism," he stated.
He mentioned that more than 500 applicants with various disabilities, including visual impairments, albinism, Down Syndrome, autism, and other conditions, enrolled to take the exam at 11 centers throughout the nation.
The applicants, including both men and women, were provided with an assortment of tools like typewriters, braille devices, slates, styli, paper, and more.
Skilled staff members and supervisors were present onsite to offer support services for examinees needing assistance, aiming to streamline the exam procedure.
This program was launched by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede in 2017 with the aim of providing equitable educational access to everyone, irrespective of their disabilities.
At CBT centers, the exam appears on computer monitors and students select their answers, however, numerous candidates here struggle with reading from screens or using keyboards.
"Our objective is to remove obstacles to education, with this initiative expanding on JAMB’s continuous improvements focused on inclusion. This includes employing adaptable test materials designed to address various requirements," he stated.
The coordinator mentioned that the exams completed by students with special needs are equally reliable and meet the same standards as those taken by typical students at CBT centers.
Ever since its launch in 2017, JEOG has achieved notable success, as an increasing number of students with specific requirements have been admitted to numerous higher education institutions throughout the nation.
"Approximately 25 percent of regular candidates managed to get admitted into higher education institutions, whereas more than 33 percent of special needs candidates were successful in securing admission," he stated.
He praised the Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, along with the Department of Special Needs at BUK, the School of Continuing Education, and various other institutions for granting admissions to these students.
"As per their typical arrangement, JAMB via JOEG has offered complimentary lodging, meals, and a small sum for travel expenses to all candidates throughout the exam duration," he mentioned additionally.
The coordinator introduced Khadija, a previous contender for the Kano center position, who achieved more than 240 marks in the UTME and is currently in her final year at BUK, pursuing a BSc degree in Dietetics and Nutrition.
Khadija praised the action and provided guidance and motivation to the candidates.
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