Chidimma UCHEGBU
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to host the first African Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity Access to Higher Education.
The conference scheduled for 17 and 18 September 2024 in Abuja is themed “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Educational and Economic Development”.
Speaking at a world press conference, Jamb Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said the regional conference aims to improve access to higher education for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
The theme of this year’s conference, “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities in Educational and Economic Development,” speaks to the importance of harnessing the talents and contributions of PWDs in shaping the future of our society. 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.
Oloyede stated that, the conference aimed to enhance access to higher education for PWD and improved the learning environment the learning in tertiary institutions in Africa. The conference will attract participants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Egypt, and other African countries.
“Today, as we prepare for this vital conference, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing equal opportunity access to higher education for all, with particular emphasis on Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
Oloyede said the Board through the Jamb Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) has been at the forefront of ensuring that persons with disabilities are provided with a level playing field in accessing higher education.
“It is not enough to simply open doors of opportunity; we must ensure that these doors are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities,” he said.
He reiterated JAMB’s commitment to advancing equal opportunity access to higher education, ensuring a level playing field for PWDs, and providing assistive technology to facilitate learning and testing.
“We acknowledge that education is a fundamental human right, and therefore, we are committed to making higher education more inclusive and accessible across Africa,” he added.
“As we move forward, we must intensify our efforts and build upon the progress we have made. I call on all stakeholders – government agencies, educational institutions, the private sector, and civil society – to join hands with us 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,” Oloyede said.
