The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled a state-of-the-art computer-based test (CBT) center worth N1.19 billion in Kaduna. With a remarkable capacity of 1,000 seats, this facility is set to revolutionize the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) experience for thousands of applicants.
Considered the largest center of its kind in West Africa, the CBT facility is divided into four units, each accommodating up to 250 students. This massive center can cater to a staggering 4,000 candidates per day, significantly increasing the examination capacity in the region.
During the opening ceremony on Tafawa Balewa Way in Kaduna, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, received accolades from the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu. They commended Prof. Oloyede’s judicious management of resources and emphasized the importance of dedicated and virtuous public servants in driving Nigeria’s progress.
Governor El-Rufai expressed his unwavering support for JAMB’s expansion plans in the state, affirming that his successor would continue to prioritize the Board’s needs. He acknowledged the state’s commitment to facilitating JAMB’s reform initiatives, even recalling the abandoned project to establish “Professional Testing Centers” four years ago. Governor El-Rufai emphasized that the state’s waiver of monetary compensation for the land was a testament to Professor Oloyede’s remarkable work and the positive impact JAMB has made on Nigeria’s education sector.
In his speech, Minister Adamu praised JAMB’s exemplary execution of public projects under Prof. Oloyede’s leadership, highlighting the Board’s substantial contributions to the Federal Government’s revenue. He urged everyone to lend their support to JAMB’s endeavors, acknowledging the significant benefits of computer-based tests in eliminating exam misconduct, expediting result release, and enhancing the credibility of the assessment process.
The Minister disclosed that the cost of this transformative project amounts to N1,198,764,285. In addition to the Kaduna facility, JAMB has also established Mega CBT Centers in Gbongan, Osogbo, and Owerri, while restoring and developing numerous other buildings through its partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Prof. Oloyede expressed his gratitude to Governor El-Rufai for his instrumental role in realizing the project. Originally designed as a 500-capacity CBT center, the management team discovered during a site visit in October 2021 that the existing holding rooms in Kaduna were spacious enough to accommodate two additional centers. Consequently, the capacity was increased to 1,100 seats with 275 computers per center. Governor El-Rufai generously offered his assistance without any cost to the Board, resulting in the successful establishment of these mega centers.
The inauguration of the N1.19 billion CBT facility marks a significant milestone in JAMB’s efforts to streamline the admissions process and promote transparency in Nigeria’s higher institutions. This state-of-the-art center, combined with JAMB’s ongoing initiatives, underscores the commitment to quality education and fairness in the assessment of students across the country.