JAMB Holds 1st Africa Regional Conference On Equal Access To Education

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to host the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED’24) from Tuesday, 17th to 18th September 2024 in Nigeria.

The conference aims to explore and develop innovative solutions to address the disparity in educational access for individuals with disabilities.

The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyode who stated this at a World Press conference in Abuja, Nigeria said participants are expected from Ethiopia, Egypt, Malawi and other African countries.

The conference is centered on the theme: “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities in Educational and Economic Development.”

He said the theme speaks to the importance of harnessing the talents and contributions of PWDs in shaping the future of society.

“The conference aims to enhance access to higher education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and improve the learning environment in tertiary institutions in Africa.

“Education is the cornerstone of personal empowerment, economic development, and national growth. When we invest in inclusive education, we invest in a brighter, more equitable future for all.

“We hope that the conference will bring to the forefront critical issues that would enhance the well-being of PWDs not only at the national level but at the global level,“ he said.

He said the efforts will also make it easy for PWDs in other African countries to come and learn easily in Nigeria and Viz a Viz.

Oloyede stressed that JAMB has introduced several strategic initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity within the education sector, which include a specialised Testing Center for PWDs who cannot sit for the UMTE in the normal CBT centre, reduction of JAMB registration fee from N5,000 to N3,500, free CBT centre fee, transport supplementation, free accommodation and transit provided during the examination process.

Added that include Assistive Technology such as Braille Machines and screen readers, Teachers training and collaboration with stakeholders like government agencies, NGOs and International organizations to ensure that the agency’s policies are not only inclusive but also impactful.

Professor Oloyode thereby called on government, agencies, educational institutions, the private sector, and civil society among others to join hands with JAMB in this noble cause.

“Together, we can create a future where every child, every student, and every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or abilities,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of PWDs in Nigeria, Jake Epelle said the conference is aimed at giving a “voice to the voiceless on the African continent” as such it is a welcome development.