A massive computer-based test centre with 1,000 seats has been commissioned by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Kaduna. The building is said to be the biggest centre in West Africa includes four sections, each having a capacity of 250 students, and can accommodate 4,000 applicants each day to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the state governor, and Malam Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, praised the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for his careful use of resources as they opened the N1.19 billion CBT centre on the Tafawa Balewa Way in Kaduna.
They contend that the JAMB director has demonstrated that Nigeria would advance if public institutions are staffed by virtuous, sincere, and devoted public workers.
El-Rufai explained-
“All we have done to waive any monetary compensation on this land, is in recognition of the good work that Professor Oloyede is doing.
“We are immensely proud of the transformation and reforms he has introduced in JAMB and, as state governments, we are all beneficiaries of the huge surpluses that you have remitted to the federation account and it is therefore our duty to do whatever we can to support you. Any financial waiver given to JAMB is to the benefit of the states of Nigeria.”
The Minister of Education stated during his speech at the occasion that JAMB, under Prof. Oloyede, has continued to be a shining example of public project execution despite its significant contributions to the Federal Government coffers.
The Board has shown ability and tenacity in its efforts to reposition the examination body. Adamu further added that all it required right now was the help of everyone.
He noted that the implementation of the computer-based test mode of assessing candidates was a brainchild of necessity. With so many advantages, it had largely eliminated the problem of examination misconduct. It also engendered faster release of results, as well as, enhanced the credibility of the entire assessment process.
“I have been briefed that this project is executed for the sum of N1,198,764, 285.
“This is besides the Mega CBT Centre built in Gbongan, Osogbo, Owerri and the various renovations of many more in addition to the ones constructed through its partnership with the Nigerian Communication Commission.
“Permit me to use this opportunity to commend JAMB for its tireless efforts in sanitising the processes for admitting candidates into our tertiary institutions,” the Minister added.
On his part, the JAMB Registrar commended the effort of Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Particularly in ensuring that the project came to light.
He recalled that the project was conceived in 2018 with an initial design for a 500-capacity CBT centre. However, after the competitive bidding process, the Board approved the contract for the construction of 500. It was 550 centre with a 10% backup capacity Professional Test Centre. The Test Centre was built at the cost of N205,556,303.14 on May 13, 2019.
“On a site visit to Kaduna in October 2021, management observed that the two holding rooms were large enough to accommodate two extra centres. A review was thus made, and the centres were adjusted to 1000 (actually 1,100) seat mega centres, each exclusively containing 275 computers (for 250 candidates) per session at an updated cost of N306, 615, 715.31 but without holding halls. It was at that stage that His Excellency, Governor El- Rufai came to our rescue, at no cost to the Board.”
cc: Punch Ng
