Abuja, Nigeria – March 18, 2025 – The Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) has called on JAMB to urgently address the challenges faced by blind students in mathematics, especially mathematical graphics and other visual elements required for university admission.
According to NAB, many blind candidates are being unfairly disadvantaged due to JAMB’s heavy reliance on visual-based assessments, such as graphs and diagrams, in mathematics. These challenges have prevented countless blind students from realizing their academic dreams, despite excelling in other subjects.
“We Are Losing Brilliant Minds Due to This Rigid Requirement” – NAB President
The President of NAB, Mr. Stanley Onyebuchi, made this passionate appeal during a courtesy visit to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on March 12, 2025, at JAMB headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.
“Many blind students who have the intelligence and capability to pursue higher education are being denied admission simply because of their inability to interact with mathematical graphs and visual components in exams. This is unfair and needs urgent intervention,” Onyebuchi stated.
While praising JAMB’s efforts toward inclusivity, especially through initiatives like the JAMB Equal Opportunities Group (JEOG), he noted that mathematics remains a major stumbling block for blind students.
“Blind students are not asking for special favors, only a fair chance,” he added.
Proposed Solutions to Make JAMB Fair for Blind Candidates
To fix this problem, NAB has proposed several urgent solutions to JAMB, including:
- Alternative Assessment Methods – Replace graph-based questions with verbal or tactile-based mathematical assessments that blind students can engage with.
- Course-Specific Waivers – Allow students applying for non-science courses to be exempted from certain mathematical requirements that do not relate to their field.
- Enhanced Accessibility – Work with institutions and disability-focused organizations to improve teaching methods, provide instructional materials, and introduce assistive technologies for blind students.
- Representation on JEOG – NAB is requesting that its current president be included in the JAMB Equal Opportunities Group (JEOG) to ensure better advocacy for blind candidates.
- Intervention in Programme Transfers – Ensure that blind students are not forced into different programs due to accessibility challenges.
JAMB Responds: Acknowledging the Problem, But What’s Next?
In response, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Oloyede, expressed his support for NAB’s concerns and reassured them that the Board is committed to finding solutions.
He noted that two NAB representatives are already part of JEOG and suggested that the issue be thoroughly examined by over 30 special education experts who make up the group.
“What I can do is recommend to JEOG the importance of this matter. We will look into how other countries have solved similar challenges and apply the best practices here in Nigeria,” Oloyede assured.
Regarding NAB’s request for a change in representation on JEOG, Oloyede explained that JAMB periodically reviews its committee memberships, and advised that NAB’s former president should formally step down to allow the current leadership to take over.
He also guaranteed that no institution has the right to change a candidate’s course without their consent, and JAMB will continue to monitor this closely to prevent discrimination against blind students.
Hope for the Future: Will Blind Students Finally Get a Fair Chance?
For years, blind students in Nigeria have been struggling against an admission system that does not fully accommodate their needs. While JAMB’s previous efforts—such as special centers for blind candidates—have been commendable, the lack of proper mathematical alternatives still holds many back from pursuing higher education.
NAB remains hopeful that JAMB will take decisive action to address this issue before another generation of blind students is forced to abandon their dreams.
With mathematics being a compulsory subject for many courses, the real question is: Will JAMB finally listen and make meaningful changes, or will blind students continue to be left behind?