The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has begun the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 135 candidates with special needs at its Kano centre – the highest turnout in the country this year.
The examination, organised under the auspices of JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), is being conducted simultaneously across 11 specialised centres nationwide. In Kano, the exercise is hosted at Bayero University’s School of Continuing Education, drawing candidates from Kano and neighbouring states.
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Kano, the JEOG Kano Coordinator, Yahuza Bello, described the initiative as “another landmark in inclusive education”.
“About 530 candidates with special needs are sitting the UTME nationwide under conditions adapted to their requirements,” he said.
Mr Bello explained that candidates unable to take the conventional computer-based test due to disabilities – including visual impairment, albinism, Down syndrome, and autism – are being examined using adapted methods in controlled environments.
Quoting the JEOG Chairman, Peter Okebukola, Mr Bello noted that the initiative extends beyond examinations, reflecting Nigeria’s broader commitment to inclusive education. Specialised centres are equipped with Braille machines, slates, styluses, typewriters, and trained personnel, including scribes and invigilators skilled in assisting candidates with disabilities.
Despite the adjustments, Mr Bello confirmed that the examination maintains the same standard as the UTME taken by other candidates.
Over the years, approximately 34 per cent of special needs candidates have secured admission into tertiary institutions – benefiting around 1,700 students. Mr Bello highlighted Zainab Ibrahim, a former JEOG candidate now in her final year studying Dietetics and Nutrition at Bayero University, Kano, as a notable success story.
The Kano centre, established in 2017, serves candidates from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara States. Additional centres in Bauchi, Birnin Kebbi, and Yola were later created to reduce travel burdens.
JAMB provides free accommodation, feeding, and transport for candidates during the examination period. The board also refunds registration fees for those who declared their disabilities and met academic requirements.
Mr Bello thanked the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Haruna Musa, for supporting the initiative, including the establishment of a special ICT centre for students with special needs.
