Kogi West: Karimi Facilitates Additional CBT Centres in Lokoja, Iyara, Odo-Ere, Mopa
By Ralph Agbana
The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Karimi, has facilitated the establishment of additional Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the district as part of efforts to expand access to education and examination infrastructure.
The initiative, captured in the 2026 appropriation, will see the upgrade of selected secondary schools into fully equipped CBT centres in Lokoja, Iyara and Odo-Ere, while plans are also underway for a fourth centre in Mopa.
This development follows the successful hosting of over 1,200 candidates for the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations at the 288-seat CBT centre in Titcombe College, Egbe—facilitated by the senator in partnership with the institution’s alumni association.
Speaking in Abuja, Senator Karimi disclosed that funds have been provided in the 2026 budget for the conversion and upgrade of facilities at Muslim Community Secondary School, Lokogoma (Lokoja), Government Science School, Iyara, and Okutadudu Comprehensive College, Odo-Ere, located across Lokoja, Ijumu and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
He explained that the projects will involve the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing structures to accommodate 275-capacity CBT centres, each to be equipped with laptops, internet connectivity, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, solar power installations, standby generators and modern sanitary facilities in line with JAMB requirements.
“I am already in discussion with contractors to ensure timely delivery of these projects without waiting for fund releases, so the facilities can be ready for approval ahead of the 2027 JAMB and WAEC examinations,” he said.
Karimi added that lessons from the successful delivery of the Titcombe College CBT centre would guide the execution of the new projects, which are strategically distributed across Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu, Lokoja/Kotonkarfe and Yagba Federal Constituencies.
In addition to the three centres captured in the budget, the lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Services Committee, pledged to personally support the establishment of a fourth CBT centre at ECWA Secondary School, Mopa, in collaboration with the host community.
The initiative is expected to ease examination logistics for students across Kogi West, reduce travel burdens, and enhance digital examination capacity in the district.
