The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for approving the waiver of application and examination fees for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), describing the move as a major stride toward inclusive education in Nigeria.
Isa said the decision reflects Professor Oloyede’s strong commitment to widening access to higher education and ensuring that Nigerians with disabilities are not excluded from academic opportunities due to financial barriers.
In a statement, the presidential aide noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes equity, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups.
He explained that removing the cost of application and examination fees would significantly ease the burden on students with disabilities, especially those from indigent backgrounds who often face economic challenges in pursuing their educational goals.
“By waiving these fees, JAMB has sent a clear message that disability should never be a barrier to education. This policy will motivate more qualified candidates with disabilities to seek higher education and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Isa said.
He praised Professor Oloyede and the JAMB management for their consistent display of empathy, foresight, and leadership in advancing inclusive education, describing the policy as progressive and people-centred.
Meanwhile, Isa assured that the Tinubu administration remains fully committed to supporting policies and programmes that promote inclusivity and accessibility, stressing that the Federal Government will continue to collaborate with institutions that protect the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities.
By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi, Abuja
