In order to tackle the challenges faced by students in rural communities during computer-based examinations, the Kano State Government is set to establish ICT/CBT centres in all the 44 Local Government Areas of the State.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mohammed Tajo Othman, disclosed this to ait.live Correspondent in Kano, revealing that over 13,000 computers will be deployed in the first phase of the project.
Kano State has one of the largest student populations in Nigeria, driven by the Abba Yusuf’s free education policy and the ongoing state of emergency declared in the education sector.
However, many students, particularly those in rural communities have continued to struggle with computer-based examinations such as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), due to limited access to ICT facilities and digital literacy.
Mohammed Tajo Othman, said that the Governor Abba Yusuf administration is addressing the challenge through the establishment of 44 ICT/CBT centres across the state, with each centre to be equipped with 300 computers.
Beyond enhancing students’ preparedness for computer-based examinations, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for ICT-skilled youths, who will be engaged to manage and support operations at the centres.
The Commissioner also assured that sustainability and maintenance have been factored into the initiative, with measures already in place to ensure the long-term functionality of the facilities.
When completed, the CBT centre project is expected to strengthen digital learning, bridge the technology gap between urban and rural communities, and complement the education reforms of the Abba Yusuf administration aimed at improving learning outcomes across Kano State.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
