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UTME: FG Sponsors 37 Blind Candidates For Examination In Bauchi

Published

1 year ago

April 29, 2025

The Federal Government, through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sponsored 37 blind candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bauchi state.

Speaking to journalists at the examination centre in Bauchi on Tuesday, the Deputy Coordinator, UTME Bauchi Centre for the Blind, Prof. Hadiza Bazza from the University of Maiduguri, said that the move was part of the Federal Government’s effort to provide equal opportunities for persons with special needs to achieve their educational dreams.

According to her, the candidates were drawn from four states of the Northeast zone of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe.

She explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) introduced the special UTME Equal Opportunity Group program for the blind in 2017.

The initiative, she said, was championed by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who recognised the need to support candidates living with disabilities, especially the blind and physically challenged.

“He saw that there are many persons with disabilities, the blind, the crippled, and others who, if given the opportunity, can perform excellently instead of ending up on the streets begging,” she said.

Prof. Hadiza added that it is the prayer of the JAMB Registrar that every blind student who completed secondary education could register and sit for the UTME.

She explained that the examination is offered free of charge to all blind candidates, with the federal government covering transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other logistics.

“When they pass the exam, universities admit them. Some universities have special education faculties with trained teachers capable of handling the unique needs of these students,” she said.

She however, expressed concern that while the government at the highest level was doing well to support blind candidates, many stakeholders at the grassroots, particularly parents, were not doing enough in this regard.

She urged stakeholders to create more awareness among communities to encourage persons with disabilities to access available educational opportunities, stressing that greater awareness would lead to higher participation in future UTME examinations.

The deputy coordinator also advised candidates to remain calm and motivated during the exams, emphasizing the importance of discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu, lamented that despite the state government’s investment in building schools, enrollment figures remain low.

“Unfortunately, our people are yet to realise that without education, nothing can progress,” he said.

He assured that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), would design a comprehensive enlightenment programme to encourage school enrollment, particularly among persons with disabilities.

“Many people do not realise that being disabled does not mean you cannot be educated. You can still attend school.

“Although, as I said, there is a lack of willingness among our people to pursue education, but with proper enlightenment, many persons with disabilities will be encouraged to attend,” he assured.

On his part, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, commended the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group for their efforts in uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities.

He urged parents to support their children, especially those living with disabilities, to develop their potential and secure a brighter future.

The Commissioner also assured that the Bauchi State Government would intensify awareness campaigns to ensure more parents and guardians take advantage of the special JAMB programmes available.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.