By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has warmly commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for approving the waiver of application and examination fees for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Abba Isa described the decision as a landmark intervention that demonstrates Professor Oloyede’s deep commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating an inclusive academic environment for Nigerians with disabilities.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Lanre Oloyede, the presidential aide noted that the gesture aligns squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises equity, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
According to him, the removal of financial barriers associated with examination and application fees represents a significant boost for students with disabilities, especially those from indigent backgrounds, who often struggle to pursue their educational aspirations due to economic constraints.
“By waiving these fees, JAMB has sent a powerful message that disability should never be a barrier to education. This policy will encourage more qualified candidates with disabilities to aspire to higher education and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Abba Isa stated.
He lauded Professor Oloyede and the entire JAMB management for consistently demonstrating empathy, vision, and leadership in promoting inclusive education, describing the initiative as both progressive and people-centred.
The Senior Special Assistant further assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to supporting policies and programmes that advance inclusivity and accessibility, stressing that the Federal Government will continue to partner with institutions that uphold the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities.
Recall that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free application documents to all categories of candidates with disabilities seeking admission into tertiary institutions across the country.
The Board explained that the initiative is designed to ensure equal opportunities for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) who are determined to pursue higher education.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, reiterated that the free application documents would be processed through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) for eligible candidates intending to sit for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB emphasised that the policy reflects its unwavering resolve to uphold fairness, inclusiveness, and access to education for all Nigerians, regardless of physical ability.
