Kwara governor equips CBT centre with 250 computers

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has fulfilled his promise to support the Igbaja Computer Based Testing (CBT) Centre by presenting 250 desktop computers. The gesture is aimed at easing the burden on students in Igbaja and surrounding communities within Ifelodun local government during JAMB and other CBT exams.

The CBT Centre, built by Major General Adelokun Eyitayo as part of a special intervention project led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.A. Lagbaja, was commissioned in June. During the commissioning, the Governor had pledged to provide the necessary equipment to ensure the facility met JAMB standards.

Presenting the computers on Thursday, the Governor, represented by Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde, stated that the initiative was geared towards reducing the challenges faced by students from the region during the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.

Arinde, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Sabitiyu Grillo, and other ministry officials, said, “When we came here last June for the commissioning, we saw this impressive structure built by Major General Eyitayo. It was inspiring, and we committed to equipping the centre with computers to enable students to take their CBT exams here.”

She emphasised the Governor’s commitment to improving education in the state, adding, “Education is the heartbeat of our administration because it is fundamental to human development. This is why our policies and programmes regarding education are being taken with the utmost seriousness.”

In response, HRM Oba Ahmed Awuni Arepo, the Elese of Igbajaland, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support, noting that the computers would significantly encourage students to become more proficient in the use of technology. He also prayed for the Governor’s continued success in office.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair praised the Governor for his intervention, highlighting that the facility would benefit over 20 secondary schools in Igbajaland and its surrounding areas.

“This initiative is a major step forward for our community. Our students previously had to travel to Ilorin and even Lagos to sit for computer-based examinations. Now, with this CBT centre, they can take their exams locally, which is a tremendous advantage,” Oyin-Zubair said.

Students also expressed their appreciation, noting that the centre would reduce the financial burden on their families by eliminating the need for travel outside the community for external CBT exams.