A blind candidate's desperate attempt to access tertiary education raises alarms about the accessibility and integrity of Nigeria’s university admission system. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed a case where one blind student hired another to sit the 2025 UTME on their behalf, revealing deeper issues surrounding inclusivity and the pressure to succeed.
- JAMB disclosed that a blind candidate hired another visually impaired student for impersonation during the 2025 UTME, raising serious concerns about the lengths people go to access education.
- The incident occurred within the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which aims to provide inclusive testing for candidates with disabilities.
- While JAMB provides full support for visually impaired candidates, including transportation and accommodation, this case underscores the challenges that persist in ensuring fair access for everyone.
JAMB’s registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, expressed disappointment at the incident, stressing the desperate measures candidates take to secure education. This case illustrates the extent of frustration faced by disabled candidates, underlining the urgent need for reform in inclusive education policies.
As JAMB continues to tackle exam malpractice, this incident begs a larger question: What reforms can be made to ensure that education is accessible, equitable, and ethical for all Nigerian students, regardless of their challenges?
