JAMB Introduces New Policy Exempting Foreign Students, Blind, Deaf, and Prison Inmates From University-screening

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has introduced a significant policy change for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration process. This policy exempts foreign students, blind and deaf candidates, and prison inmates from pre-admission screening tests conducted by tertiary institutions. Announced on February 24, 2025, this initiative reflects JAMB’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in higher education, aligning with national efforts to ensure equitable access for marginalized groups.

Policy Details and Scope

The exemption, as stated by Mr. Johnson Adebiyi, the Gombe State JAMB Coordinator, applies specifically to four categories: foreign students, blind candidates, deaf candidates, and prison inmates.

This waiver removes the requirement for these groups to undergo additional screening tests beyond their UTME or DE qualifications, which are typically used by institutions to assess candidate suitability.

The policy is part of the 2025 registration process, aiming to streamline access to tertiary education for these groups.

Adebiyi made this announcement during a visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service in Gombe, highlighting its role as an affirmative action to accommodate candidates with special needs. He noted, “The Board and Tertiary Institutions have resolved that all Foreign, Blind, Deaf, and Prison Inmates are to be exempted from pre-admission screening tests in their institutions of choice.”

This decision was directed by the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions, with plans to monitor the progress of admitted special needs candidates to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness.

Advocacy and Sensitization Efforts

The announcement coincided with Adebiyi’s advocacy visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service, aimed at sensitizing prison inmates about the UTME and DE registration process. The visit sought to familiarize inmates with JAMB’s facilities for seamless registration and examination, while also informing them about registration requirements and available waivers.

This effort underscores JAMB’s commitment to ensuring that even incarcerated individuals are aware of and can access educational opportunities.

Adebiyi emphasized that the waiver is designed to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of physical abilities or incarceration status. He added, “This waiver is an affirmative action meant to accommodate candidates with special needs.

The Board and the tertiary institutions will ensure that special needs candidates, who meet the specified minimum requirements, are admitted and their progress monitored in their respective institutions.”

Support Mechanisms and Fraud Prevention

To support this inclusive policy, JAMB has implemented measures to prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring the integrity of the admission process. Adebiyi noted that the Board has previously facilitated the placement of prison inmates into tertiary institutions, aiding their reintegration into society after serving their terms.

Additionally, JAMB will provide tertiary institutions with a list of special needs candidates each year preceding the admission exercise, enabling institutions to offer necessary guidance and accommodations.

The Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Gombe, Mr. Victor Odafen, commended JAMB for the initiative, stating, “We appreciate this initiative and will take all necessary measures to ensure that qualified inmates are ready to take advantage of this opportunity provided by JAMB and tertiary institutions.”

This support from correctional authorities highlights the collaborative effort to ensure the policy’s success, particularly for incarcerated candidates.

Implications for Marginalized Groups

The exemption is expected to have significant implications for the targeted groups. For foreign students, it removes barriers often faced due to their non-Nigerian status, such as documentation challenges or unfamiliarity with local screening processes.

For blind and deaf candidates, the waiver eliminates additional hurdles, providing an easier pathway to higher education without the need for further tests that may not account for their disabilities.

For prison inmates, the policy offers a transformative opportunity to acquire tertiary education, which could facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Adebiyi emphasized that JAMB, through its policies, has continuously sought to create an educational system that does not marginalize any group, aligning with broader national efforts to ensure access to education for all.

Long-Term Considerations

While the immediate effect is to remove screening barriers, the long-term impact on admission rates, academic success, and societal reintegration for these groups remains to be seen. JAMB’s commitment to monitoring the progress of special needs candidates will provide valuable data on the policy’s effectiveness.

This monitoring, as directed by the 2024 Policy Meeting, will help confirm whether the exemption achieves its goal of fostering inclusivity without compromising academic standards.

JAMB’s decision to exempt foreign students, blind and deaf candidates, and prison inmates from pre-admission screening tests for the 2025 UTME and DE is a landmark move towards inclusive education in Nigeria. By removing barriers and providing support, JAMB is aligning with national efforts to ensure equitable access for marginalized groups.

The policy’s success will depend on effective implementation, institutional support, and ongoing evaluation, with potential to significantly enhance educational and societal outcomes for these

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