Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged his administration’s support to collaborate with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to expand the capacity of computer-based testing centers for matriculation examinations in the state.
The governor made this commitment on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the JAMB management team, led by its Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, to the Lagos House in Alausa.
He emphasized that the intervention aims to improve the performance of admission seekers in Lagos by ensuring better testing facilities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the challenges faced by JAMB in Lagos, particularly the shortfall in test centers. This issue has led to logistical difficulties, with Lagos applicants—who represent 15% of JAMB candidates nationwide—facing extended testing periods beyond the standard duration.
The problem is most pronounced on the Lagos Mainland, where some candidates take their exams for up to 10 days beyond the allocated schedule.
Describing Prof. Oloyede as an “outstanding Nigerian” with exceptional passion and integrity, Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s readiness to provide land for the establishment of additional testing facilities in Ojo and Ikorodu.
“Having learned of the inadequate testing facilities being experienced by JAMB in Lagos, the least we can do is to partner with the Board to expand its current capacity. We will look into the requests and provide sizable plots of land in Ojo and Ikorodu,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He added that the new facilities would create conducive environments for candidates, enhancing their performance and aiding their academic prospects. “As a sub-national Government, we are ready to take the discussion with the Board forward,” he said.
Prof. Oloyede expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment and willingness to address the challenges. He noted that the proposed testing centers would not only benefit matriculation candidates but also serve reputable government agencies conducting recruitment tests in Lagos.
