More than 4,216 candidates with disabilities have been admitted into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria over the past decade through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Equal Opportunity Group, its Chairman, Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, revealed.

He spoke on Wednesday at the 2026 JAMB National Stakeholder Engagement on Inclusivity and Higher Education, held at the National Universities Commission headquarters in Abuja. The group was established by the outgoing JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, to give candidates with disabilities equal access to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and admission into tertiary institutions.

Okebukola noted that the initiative had recorded an average admission rate of 53% among participating candidates annually, with beneficiaries including those with visual impairment, autism, Down syndrome, albinism, and other disabilities.

"In the last 10 years, we have had 4,216 candidates with different categories of disabilities participate in the programme. On average, about 53% of them gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education every year," he said.

He stressed that candidates with disabilities are assessed under the same academic standards as every other UTME candidate. "We do not lower standards for them. They answer the same questions as every other candidate. I am continually amazed by how excellently they perform. Many of them are exceptionally brilliant," he added.

According to him, many beneficiaries have excelled in competitive disciplines, including Law, proving that disability is not a barrier to academic excellence when adequate support is provided. He also disclosed that discussions at the event centred on how Artificial Intelligence could strengthen inclusive higher education in Nigeria.

Two books were unveiled during the anniversary activities. The first, "A Peep Into The Future Of Higher Education In Nigeria," was produced in honour of Professor Oloyede and features contributions from 44 scholars. The second, "Early Start, Great Finish: Survival And Success," authored by Okebukola, offers guidance for parents, lecturers, and administrators supporting underage students in Nigerian universities, drawing on consultations with 468 scholars and students.

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Dr Sonny Echono, commended Oloyede for reforms that strengthened the credibility of the UTME. JAMB also honoured staff in its Information Technology Department, and Institutions recognised for supporting candidates with disabilities.