Gov. El-Rufai inaugurates Nigeria’s largest CBT Centre in Kaduna
Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially inaugurated the largest Computer Based Test (CBT) centre in Nigeria, constructed by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Kaduna State.
The newly commissioned centre boasts a remarkable capacity to accommodate 4,000 candidates per day for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Governor Nasir El-Rufai, during his speech at the event, assured JAMB of continued support from the incoming administration of Senator Uba Sani to further expand the Board’s facilities in Kaduna State.
Governor El-Rufai expressed pride in the transformation and reforms initiated by Professor Oloyede, the JAMB Chairman, and recognized the positive impact of these reforms on the state governments.
As a token of appreciation for Professor Oloyede’s exceptional work, the governor mentioned that the state had waived any monetary compensation for the land on which the centre was built.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB for establishing the largest CBT centre in Kaduna, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to the citizens of Kaduna and the surrounding states.
The Minister of Education, in his address, praised Professor Oloyede and JAMB for their efficient management of public resources and successful execution of various projects.
He highlighted the Board’s capacity and determination, stressing the importance of supporting their endeavors.
The minister further disclosed that the project’s total cost was 1,198,764,285 Naira, in addition to other CBT centres constructed in Gbongan, Osogbo, Owerri, and several renovations facilitated through collaboration with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).
Regarding the computer-based test mode, the Minister commended JAMB for its adoption, citing its effectiveness in curbing examination misconduct, expediting result release, and enhancing the credibility of the assessment process.
He lauded JAMB’s efforts in ensuring a fair and transparent admission process into tertiary institutions, aligning with international best practices.
Professor Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar, shed light on the development of the centre.
Originally conceived as a 500-capacity CBT center in 2018, it was expanded after a competitive bidding process.
The Board approved the construction of a 500 (550 with the 10% backup) capacity Professional Test Centre (PTC) at a cost of N205,556,303.14.
However, during a site visit to Kaduna in October 2021, it was determined that the holding rooms could accommodate two additional centres.
Consequently, the capacity was adjusted to a 1,000-seater mega centre, each with 275 computers, bringing the updated cost to N306,615,715.31.
Governor El-Rufai generously offered support to the project, bearing no cost to the Board.
