Olu Samuel
As part of his resolve to ensure access to education for all constituents in the 2026 appropriation, the Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi has influenced the the establishment of additional three computer based training centres (CBT) within the senatorial district.
Coming on the heels of last week’s successful hosting of over 1, 200 candidates who sat for the 2026 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations at the 288-seater CBT centre in Titcombe College, Egbe, facilitated by him in partnership with the alumni association of the college.
Speaking on Sunday in an interview , he Karimi said that three more CBT centres have been earmarked in the budget for establishment within the senatorial district before the next JAMB and West African Examinations Council( WAEC) examinations.
He said that he has made available funds in the 2026 appropriation for the conversion of existing structures at the Muslim Community Secondary School, Lokogoma, Lokoja, Government Science School, Iyara and Okutadudu Comprehensive College, Odo Ere in Lokoja, Ijumu and Yagba West Local Government Areas, Kogi State, respectively, “for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing structures to accommodate 275-capacity CBT testing centers that will include 275 laptops, Internet connectivity services, Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, solar energy to power the system, standby generating sets and toilet facilities tailored to meet JAMB requirements”.
According to him, “I’m already in discussion with the contractor for a timely delivery of the projects without having to wait for fund releases from the federal government to enable the facilities to be ready and approved for 2027 JAMB and WAEC examinations”.
He added that: “With our experience in the establishment of the Titcombe College Old Students Association (TCEOSA) CBT centre at Titcombe College, Egbe, efforts will be geared to ensure a seamless delivery of the additional three facilties to be located in Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu, Lokoja/Kotonkarfe and Yagba Federal Constituencies”.
In addition to the above listed three centres, which are in this year’s budget, the lawmaker who is Chairman, Senate Services Committee, promised to make efforts personally to fund a Fourth CBT centre to be established at ECWA Secondary School, Mopa (ESMO) in Mopa, Mopamuro Local Government Area in liaison with the community.