JAMB Announces Free UTME Forms for Persons With Disabilities in 2026
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made a significant announcement that will impact educational accessibility across Nigeria. The examination body has revealed plans to provide free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application forms for persons with disabilities for the 2026 academic session.
Equal Opportunity Initiative for Educational Access
According to Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's Public Communication Advisor, this initiative represents a deliberate effort to create equal educational opportunities for all categories of candidates with disabilities. The free application documents will be specifically targeted at persons with disabilities who aspire to pursue higher education dreams across Nigerian institutions.
The announcement was formally made through an official bulletin issued on Monday, February 2, 2026, as reported by national media outlets. This development continues JAMB's established tradition of providing free UTME applications for persons with disabilities, which has been implemented in previous examination cycles.
Implementation Through JEOG and Eligibility Criteria
The processing of these free 2026/2027 UTME application documents will be handled by the JAMB-equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), a specialized unit within the examination body dedicated to supporting candidates with disabilities. This structured approach ensures proper verification and streamlined processing for eligible applicants.
During a meeting with critical stakeholders at the National Headquarters in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede outlined specific eligibility requirements for beneficiaries. To qualify for the free UTME forms, candidates must:
- Possess five credit passes in O'Level examinations
- Achieve these credits in not more than two sittings
- Belong to recognized disability categories
Comprehensive Support for Specific Disability Categories
Professor Oloyede clarified that the free forms initiative will benefit persons with various disabilities, including:
- Down Syndrome
- Autism spectrum conditions
- Dyslexia
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
This targeted approach ensures that the support reaches those with specific educational accessibility needs, rather than employing a one-size-fits-all methodology.
Audiobook Innovation for Visually Impaired Candidates
In a particularly noteworthy development, JAMB has announced that audiobooks will be provided for all visually impaired candidates taking the 2026 UTME. These digital adaptations of traditional printed reading materials will be available in popular audio formats including:
- MP3 format
- WMV format
- WMA format
The examination body has confirmed that these audiobook formats will be compatible with all devices capable of streaming audio records, ensuring maximum accessibility for visually impaired candidates across different technological platforms.
Context of Recent JAMB Policy Adjustments
This announcement comes alongside other significant policy changes from JAMB. The examination body recently disclosed concerns about undergraduates engaging as professional UTME examination takers, highlighting ongoing challenges in examination integrity. Additionally, JAMB has emphasized that 2026 UTME candidates must fully disclose their matriculation status to avoid potential penalties, including loss of admission opportunities.
In another related development, JAMB has cancelled special registration provisions for albinism in the 2026 UTME. This decision followed revelations that over 7,000 candidates falsely claimed albino status during the previous year's registration, prompting the examination body to reassess this particular accommodation.
The Board has also urged faith-based institutions to clearly state their religious affiliations from the outset of the admission process, ensuring transparency for prospective students.
Commitment to Inclusive Education
Professor Oloyede reiterated JAMB's unwavering commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities through this free application documents regime. This initiative represents more than just financial relief—it symbolizes a broader institutional dedication to creating inclusive educational pathways for all Nigerian students, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.
The 2026 UTME free forms initiative stands as a testament to JAMB's evolving approach to educational equity, combining financial support with technological adaptations to address diverse accessibility needs within Nigeria's tertiary education landscape.
