The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has expanded its nationwide Computer-Based Test network with the addition of a 250-seat CBT centre in Iseyin, Oyo State.
The facility, executed by the Raji Oke-Esa Foundation, was donated to the Federal Government by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ahmed Raji, and formally handed over to JAMB on Wednesday.
Receiving the facility, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, described the donation as a strategic intervention that would strengthen the board’s digital transformation drive and modernise examination delivery.
He said the centre would serve as a critical addition to JAMB’s expanding CBT network, supporting its mandate to conduct seamless, credible and globally competitive assessments.
Oloyede said, “It arrives at a pivotal time when the board is intensifying efforts to expand access, enhance integrity and improve the overall UTME experience for millions of Nigerian youths annually. This facility aligns with JAMB’s core objectives of digital transformation and examination modernisation.
“The board has painstakingly migrated from paper-based testing to a robust nationwide CBT regime. This centre in Iseyin will be crucial to expanding that network and directly supporting our mandate to conduct seamless, credible and globally competitive assessments.”
According to him, the board’s migration from paper-based examinations to a nationwide CBT regime has increased the need for modern infrastructure across the country.
Oloyede said the Iseyin centre would reduce travel burdens, costs and logistical challenges faced by candidates from Iseyin and neighbouring communities, bringing examination opportunities closer to the grassroots.
“This innovation will reduce the travel burden, associated costs and logistical hardships faced by candidates from Iseyin and adjoining communities. It brings national examination opportunities closer to the grassroots,” he said.
The registrar assured that JAMB would deploy its technical and administrative expertise to ensure optimal utilisation and maintenance of the facility, noting that it would be integrated into the board’s national network and managed in line with global best practices.
“CBT reduces human interference in the examination process, curbs malpractice and ensures swift and accurate processing of results. It is a bold contribution to the national fight against examination malpractice. This project stands as a shining example of public-private partnership,” he added.
Oloyede also presented a letter of commendation from the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who described the intervention as timely and impactful.
In the letter, the minister noted that the project addressed a longstanding gap in access to accredited CBT facilities in Iseyin and the wider Oke-Ogun axis, where candidates had been compelled to travel long distances to sit national examinations.
He commended Raji’s decision to fully develop the centre at personal cost and hand it over to the Federal Government for management, describing it as a model of private sector participation in public educational infrastructure.
Alausa said, “Your intervention has addressed a critical gap in access to accredited CBT facilities in Iseyin and the wider Oke-Ogun axis, a challenge that has long imposed logistical and safety concerns on candidates required to travel considerable distances to participate in national examinations.
“The establishment of this centre is therefore timely and impactful. I am impressed by the quality and scale of the facilities, which have been designed to operate as a Grade A CBT centre with modern infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale computer-based examinations.
“Your decision to fully develop the centre at significant personal cost and formally hand it over to the Federal Government through JAMB for management and operation shows rare commitment to sustainability, public service and national development.
“This gesture is an exemplary model of private sector participation in public educational infrastructure and aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening examination integrity and promoting effective public-private collaboration.”
Earlier, Raji announced the institution of three academic awards: the Prof. Ishaq Oloyede Award for the overall best graduating student; the Gov. Seyi Makinde Prize for the best female student; and the Abdul-Akeem Olayori Prize for the best behaved student.
He said the awards would guarantee free university education for recipients and pledged sustained investment in education.
Raji reaffirmed his commitment to building a just and developed society through sustained investment in education.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Olayiwola, said the gesture aligned with the state’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and strengthening digital infrastructure.
He urged parents and community members to safeguard the facility against theft and vandalism to ensure its sustainability.
The Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Rasaq Fadiran, promised the immediate deployment of Amotekun operatives to secure the centre.
Also speaking, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (APC–Oyo North) described Raji as a worthy example of philanthropy, while a former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Adeolu Akande, said the project would help bridge digital gaps in the education sector.
