The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will be taken in Ekiti State by 28 applicants who are blind, according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB).

This information was provided by Prof. Rasheed Aderinoye during the opening ceremony for candidates with visual impairments held on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.

Aderinoye urged the government to build additional schools in Nigeria for pupils who are physically challenged in order to advance equal rights.

The don emphasized the necessity for the creation of schools for the physically challenged at all levels of government to accommodate more unique pupils across the nation.

Aderinoye pointed out that the majority of the special kids have been unable to continue their education since the schools for the visually impaired and other difficulties are privately owned.

He noted that the 2023 JAMB examinations for special candidates had commenced in 11 centres across the country including Oyo, Lagos, Benin, and Abuja, among others, where 360 candidates were accommodated.

He added that free accommodation, transportation, feeding and writing materials have been provided for the special candidates having their exams at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, and neighbouring states.

In her remarks, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Wife of Ekiti Governor, praised JAMB for the equal opportunity given to special candidates.

She stated that the development has aided the promotion of diversity, tolerance and acceptability among the physically challenged.

Oyebanji noted that inclusive education was fundamental to human rights which according to her was crucial for the development of the society.

The Governor’s wife encouraged stakeholders in the education sector to continue to promote ideas that propel students to reach their potential.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, represented by his Deputy (Academics) Prof. James Ayodele, appealed to stakeholders to ensure that every child has access to education regardless of their physical or mental abilities.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NANS), the event was attended by top government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education,  Dr Bimpe Aderiye.

Others are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi and University senior lecturers, among other stakeholders in the education sector.