NAB asks JAMB to adopt inclusive math testing for visual impaired students

The Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) has asked the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) to adopt a more inclusive testing system for mathematics.

Stanley Onyebuchi, president of the association, made the appeal during a visit to Ishaq Oloyede, registrar of JAMB, at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.

He highlighted the challenges faced by visually impaired students in traditional mathematics assessments.

NAB said the heavy reliance on visual elements such as graphs and diagrams creates significant obstacles, limiting academic opportunities for blind students.

“Mathematics, as it is traditionally taught and assessed in Nigeria, heavily relies on visual elements such as graphs, diagrams, and complex spatial reasoning, which pose considerable difficulties for blind students,” Onyebuchi said.

“While some adaptations exist, they remain largely inadequate, leading to a disproportionate disadvantage for blind candidates. Consequently, many blind students, despite excelling in other subjects, find their academic aspirations curtailed by this rigid requirement.”

NAB also proposed alternative assessment methods, including verbal reasoning and tactile-based tests.

The group is also advocating for course-specific waivers to allow students to pursue fields where mathematics is not a core requirement.

Additionally, NAB called for greater collaboration between educational institutions and disability-focused organisations to improve accessibility through inclusive teaching methods and assistive technologies.

The association also requested increased representation on the JAMB equal opportunity group (JEOG).

In his response, Oloyede said two NAB members are already part of the committee and urged the association to submit formal recommendations for consideration.

Oloyede also advised NAB to facilitate the resignation of its former president to allow the current leadership to join JEOG.

He reiterated JAMB’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing visually impaired students and ensuring greater inclusivity in the education system.