By DAYO ADESULU
Computer Based Testing Centres (CBT Centres) in a landmark move have received the support of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund to allocate significant budgetary provisions in the next appropriation bill for the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in all 774 local government areas of Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Muntari Danduste, during an oversight visit to monitor the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at select CBT centres in Abuja.
Senate Prioritizes Educational Inclusion Through CBT Centres Infrastructure
Senator Danduste emphasized that the Senate is committed to bridging the digital and infrastructural divide in Nigeria’s education sector. By establishing CBT centres in every local government area, the Senate aims to eliminate geographical barriers faced by candidates in rural and underserved areas during national examinations.
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“The era of candidates traveling long distances across states to write JAMB examinations should be a thing of the past. We are determined to ensure CBT centres are accessible in all 774 LGAs,” the senator declared.
This effort is expected to significantly ease the challenges UTME candidates encounter in remote areas, including transportation costs, insecurity, and accommodation issues.
CBT Centres : Lawmakers Commend JAMB’s Transparent and Efficient Conduct of UTME 2025
During the oversight inspection, the Senate Committee expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2025 UTME. Senator Danduste praised the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for his innovative leadership and the digital transformation of Nigeria’s university entrance examination system.
“Under Prof. Oloyede’s leadership, JAMB has achieved an unprecedented level of transparency, efficiency, and accountability in managing a complex national examination,” he added.
The Committee noted that despite having 887 accredited CBT centres, the current coverage is insufficient for Nigeria’s 774 LGAs. Many localities, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, still lack direct access to CBT facilities, placing candidates at a disadvantage.
Rural Candidates Face Major Challenges Without Local CBT Centres
The Committee highlighted the need to address the educational inequality resulting from inadequate distribution of CBT centres. It emphasized that many UTME candidates are forced to travel long distances—sometimes across state boundaries—to sit for their exams.
Such logistical challenges not only discourage candidates from low-income backgrounds but also raise security and health concerns, especially for young students traveling alone.
JAMB Reaffirms Commitment to Global Best Practices
In response to the Senate’s pledge, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Oloyede, represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Mufutau Bello, expressed appreciation for the legislative backing and renewed focus on improving examination accessibility.
“We are grateful to the Senate Committee for supporting our mission. JAMB will continue to adopt globally accepted best practices to maintain the integrity and fairness of the UTME,” Bello affirmed.
He added that JAMB is constantly working to refine its operational framework to address recurring challenges in Nigeria’s educational system, especially concerning fairness and inclusiveness.
National Impact and Vision for Inclusive Education
This Senate initiative is seen as a critical step toward inclusive digital education infrastructure in Nigeria. Once implemented, it will position JAMB as a leader in equitable testing across Africa and will strengthen the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration by reducing educational disparity across rural and urban areas.
Education stakeholders, civil society groups, and parent associations have widely welcomed the announcement, describing it as a forward-thinking intervention that prioritizes youth empowerment, digital access, and equal opportunity.
Summary of Key Points
- CBT centres to be established in all 774 LGAs of Nigeria.
- Senate Committee on Tertiary Education pushing for funding in next appropriation bill.
- Move aims to eliminate challenges faced by rural UTME candidates.
- JAMB currently operates 887 CBT centres—still insufficient for equitable coverage.
- Senate commends Prof. Is-haq Oloyede for reforming and digitizing the examination process.
- JAMB pledges continued use of global best practices for fairness and integrity.
- Stakeholders hail the initiative as a milestone for education access.
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