The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB), led by Executive Chairman Mr. Jolomi George Fenemigho, has expressed serious concerns about the recently announced partnership between the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) regarding inclusive education for the blind.
This was contained in a press release issued today in Lagos by Mr. Fenemigho.
Fenemigho emphasized that while the partnership, led respectively by Hon. Ayuba Gufwan and Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, is presented as a positive step toward supporting blind candidates, much of it risks being window dressing without real, effective change.
According to him: "It is one thing for leaders to make promises and quite another to deliver. When so many glaring issues faced by blind students remain unaddressed, one has to question whether these talks are more about appearances than genuine action. Blind students cannot afford to be left waiting as mere buzzwords and press releases substitute for real progress."
CITAB raised concerns about the prohibitive costs of specialized educational tools essential for blind students. He stated, "While these offices advocate for change, the price tags on braille math devices, screen readers, and other assistive technologies remain a steep mountain many families cannot climb. Words without funding are just lip service to equality."
He further called on JAMB to fully commit to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format for blind candidates and to urgently stop allowing blind students to use braille to answer questions or rely on sighted officials to dictate exam questions and record answers on their behalf.
"This outdated approach compromises the autonomy, privacy, and dignity of blind candidates and does not align with modern inclusive education standards," Fenemigho stated.
CITAB urged JAMB to actively partner with disability-based organizations focusing on blindness across Nigeria to provide practical, hands-on training for blind candidates on the effective use of assistive technologies like screen readers.
"Mastery of these tools is critical for blind candidates to independently and confidently navigate the CBT interface," Fenemigho explained.
To further enhance preparedness, CITAB recommended that JAMB organize mock examinations one to two months before the main exam to help blind candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format and technology, reducing anxiety and boosting their confidence on exam day.
Mr. Fenemigho urged the relevant officials to move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver tangible results. "We need more than photo ops and handshakes. It’s time to roll up sleeves and prove this partnership is more than a well-crafted PR exercise."
CITAB remains ready to support these efforts with real expertise and technology to ensure blind students receive the practical support they need, but only if words finally turn into meaningful deeds.
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