The Chairman of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) and Coordinator for Lagos and Ogun state centers, Professor Peter Okebukola, has commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, for his significant contributions to supporting indigent and visually challenged students. In a statement earlier today, Okebukola praised Prof. Ogundipe for his relentless efforts, which have aligned with government initiatives, benefiting the visually impaired and positively impacting society.
The commendation came during the participation of visually impaired candidates at this year’s 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), held at the Distance Learning Institute of UNILAG. Prof. Ogundipe, while addressing journalists in an interactive session, underscored the importance of this initiative, which he described as a vital tool in promoting equality among students. He emphasized that the program aims to create a level playing field for physically challenged students, advancing a merit-based approach to education rather than one based on sympathy.
Prof. Ogundipe also highlighted that many blind candidates, processed through JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group, have successfully gained admission to various universities—federal, state, and private—further reinforcing the importance of sustaining such initiatives for future students.
Expressing satisfaction with the participation of visually challenged students at the university, Prof. Ogundipe committed to providing ongoing support to ensure that these students continue to thrive. He reiterated his belief in diversity and inclusion as core values for the university, stating that UNILAG should be a place where every student, regardless of physical ability, has equal access to educational opportunities.
In a significant move towards supporting visually impaired students, Prof. Ogundipe had earlier advocated for aid during the university’s 51st convocation ceremony. His call for assistance led to the donation of tablets (iPads) for online learning by Dr. Jim Ovia, Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc. Notably, 54 of these tablets were allocated specifically to the university’s visually impaired students, providing essential academic resources for their studies.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to quality, inclusive education, Professor Peter Okebukola presented a plaque to Prof. Ogundipe before the commencement of the examination, acknowledging his tireless work to ensure that all students, regardless of their challenges, have equal access to education.
The event marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to support marginalized students and reinforce the values of equality and inclusivity in higher education.