In a move that is expected to reshape access to computer-based examinations in Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi has committed about N1 billion towards the establishment of four additional Computer-Based Test centres across the district. The intervention, which is already captured in the 2026 budget proposal, reflects a growing push to expand digital examination infrastructure and reduce the burden on candidates who often travel long distances to sit for national exams.
The senator, who represents Kogi West in the National Assembly, disclosed the development during an interview in Abuja, noting that the initiative is driven by the need to ensure that more students can conveniently participate in key examinations such as those conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the West African Examinations Council.
Expanding access to digital examinations in Kogi West
At the heart of the plan is the conversion and upgrade of existing school facilities into fully equipped CBT centres. According to details provided, the new centres will be located across Lokoja, Ijumu and Yagba West areas, ensuring broader geographical coverage within the senatorial district.
Each centre is designed to meet modern examination standards, with a capacity of about 275 candidates per sitting. The facilities will be equipped with laptops, internet connectivity, CCTV surveillance systems, solar-powered energy solutions, backup generators and other essential infrastructure required for accreditation by examination bodies.
This approach is not just about building new structures but upgrading existing institutions to meet current technological demands. It reflects a practical strategy of leveraging available assets while addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps in the education sector.
For many students in rural and semi-urban communities, the lack of nearby CBT centres has often meant travelling across local government areas or even states to write examinations. By decentralising access, the new centres are expected to reduce stress, improve punctuality and minimise cases of missed exams due to logistics challenges.
Building on recent success in CBT infrastructure
The latest announcement did not come out of the blue. It follows the recent establishment of a modern CBT centre at Titcombe College, Egbe, which successfully hosted over 1,200 candidates during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
That facility, developed in collaboration with the school’s alumni association, has already set a benchmark for what functional digital exam centres should look like in the region. With hundreds of seats, stable power supply and reliable connectivity, it demonstrated that well-planned interventions can significantly improve the examination experience for candidates.
Encouraged by that outcome, the senator is now scaling up the initiative across other communities. The goal is to ensure that similar standards are replicated in multiple locations before the next cycle of national examinations.
There is also an element of urgency in the project timeline. Discussions are reportedly ongoing with contractors to fast-track delivery, with a clear target of having the centres ready and fully operational ahead of future examination seasons.
A mix of public funding and personal intervention
While three of the proposed CBT centres are included in the 2026 federal budget, the fourth is expected to be funded personally by the lawmaker in collaboration with the host community.
This blended funding approach highlights an increasing trend among political office holders who complement government allocations with private or constituency-driven initiatives. It also signals a level of personal commitment that goes beyond routine legislative duties.
The additional centre is planned for ECWA Secondary School in Mopa, Mopamuro Local Government Area, further extending the reach of the intervention.
Taken together, the four centres are estimated to cost about N1 billion, making it one of the more significant recent investments in education infrastructure within the state.
What this means for students and the wider education system
Beyond the physical structures, the project speaks to a broader shift towards digital education systems in Nigeria. Computer-based testing has become the standard for major examinations, and access to certified centres is now a critical factor in ensuring fairness and efficiency.
For students, especially those in underserved communities, the availability of nearby CBT centres can make a tangible difference. It reduces travel expenses, lowers exposure to risks associated with long-distance journeys and creates a more conducive environment for performance.
There are also long-term benefits. Facilities of this nature can serve multiple purposes beyond examinations, including digital literacy training, computer education and community ICT development. This positions them as assets that can contribute to broader socio-economic growth.
From a policy perspective, the initiative aligns with national efforts to modernise the education system and integrate technology into learning and assessment processes. It also underscores the role of constituency projects in bridging gaps that may not be immediately addressed through centralised planning.
As preparations begin for implementation, attention will likely shift to execution quality, sustainability and maintenance. Delivering the centres on schedule is one part of the equation, but ensuring that they remain functional and accessible over time will ultimately determine their impact.
For now, the announcement has been welcomed as a timely intervention, particularly as demand for CBT centres continues to rise with increasing numbers of candidates sitting for national examinations each year.
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