"To promote inclusive education, JAMB has announced that the 2026 UTME registration forms will be free of charge for persons with disabilities, including those with Down Syndrome and Autism."
In a landmark decision aimed at fostering equity in the Nigerian education sector, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on February 2, 2026, that it will provide free registration forms for the 2026 UTME to candidates with various disabilities. This initiative is being spearheaded by the JAMB-Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) and specifically targets individuals with Down Syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), alongside those with visual and hearing impairments. The Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, noted that this policy is not just about financial relief but about ensuring that 'no talent is lost due to physical or cognitive challenges.' This move significantly boosts the admission chances of a demographic that has historically been marginalized in the Nigerian tertiary system. By removing the financial hurdle of the N7,200 or N8,700 registration fee, JAMB expects a higher turnout of candidates from special needs schools. Beyond the free forms, the board is also introducing 'Audiobooks' for visually impaired candidates in this cycle, which will likely result in higher average scores for this group. Investigatively, this policy serves as a call to action for universities to upgrade their facilities. As more candidates with disabilities successfully pass the UTME through this initiative, institutions will face increased pressure to provide accessible lecture halls and inclusive learning materials. For candidates, this means they must correctly identify their disability status during the profile creation phase to benefit from the waiver. Admission officers in universities are also being briefed to prioritize these candidates during the screening process, provided they meet the minimum cut-off marks. This development marks a shift from a purely competitive admission model to one that actively considers social equity, potentially making 2026 a record-breaking year for inclusive enrollment in Nigeria’s federal universities.
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