Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing quality education, announcing plans to establish additional Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) centres across the state.
The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, on Tuesday in Ikeja. He stressed the pivotal role of education in fostering economic growth and development.
To support JAMB’s initiatives, Sanwo-Olu promised to allocate significant land in Ojo, FESTAC, Ikorodu, and Mile 12 for the construction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
“Education is regarded as one of the most powerful tools you can give to an individual,” he said.
The governor commended JAMB for its work in managing over 1,400 higher institutions and described the board’s achievements as a testament to innovation, technology, and resilience. He assured JAMB of Lagos State’s readiness to collaborate, highlighting the benefits of such partnerships for residents.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting teachers, acknowledging their essential role in sustaining the education sector. He pointed to the Teacher’s Merit Award, which recognises outstanding educators with training opportunities, brand-new vehicles, and cash incentives.
Additionally, the governor highlighted the state’s emphasis on staff development, referencing Lagos’ public service training schools and a partnership with a Singaporean institution to enhance public officer training.
In response, Ishaq Oloyede expressed appreciation for the state government’s support, particularly the plans for additional CBT centres.
He noted that while Lagos hosts 15 per cent of candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, it accounts for less than 10 per cent of CBT centres nationwide. He cited a 1,100-seater CBT centre in Kaduna, built at over ₦1.2 billion, as an example of JAMB’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Oloyede also highlighted the challenges caused by the location of JAMB’s office in Ikoyi, far from the mainland, where most candidates reside. He called on the Lagos State Government for further collaboration in sensitisation programmes to better prepare students for examinations.
“Priming our students for exams is crucial, and this can only be achieved with the state’s support,” Oloyede said.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
