LIVE UPDATES
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to enhancing the quality of education, revealing plans to set up more Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) centres throughout the state.
Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during a visit from JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to the Lagos House in Ikeja.
He stated that substantial plots of land in Ojo, FESTAC, Ikorodu, and Mile 12 would be allocated for the construction of new Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, aimed at supporting JAMB's objectives and improving access for candidates.
"Education is one of the most powerful tools you can provide to an individual," the governor remarked, highlighting education's role in promoting economic development.
He reiterated his administration's backing for education, mentioning initiatives like the Teacher’s Merit Award, which recognizes exceptional educators with training, financial rewards, and vehicles to help sustain the teaching profession.
"We will keep encouraging individuals to stay in the teaching field. That is the only way to keep the profession thriving," he added.
Sanwo-Olu also revealed that Lagos State has partnered with a public school in Singapore to enhance staff development, noting that the state has one of the best public service staff development institutions in the nation. The governor praised Prof. Oloyede for the transformative progress he has made at JAMB.
He commended the registrar's dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence as crucial elements driving the notable improvements seen at the institution in recent years.
"I commend him for the outstanding transformation he has brought to JAMB. His dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed," Sanwo-Olu stated.
Reaffirming Lagos State's dedication to collaborating with JAMB, the governor stressed the significance of partnerships in enhancing educational opportunities for the youth.
He also expressed hope for the future of education in Lagos and Nigeria, pointing out the potential of such collaborations to create transformative effects. "Together, I believe we can reach even more significant milestones that will benefit our state and the entire country by improving the educational landscape and creating opportunities for our youth."
In response, Oloyede expressed appreciation for the Lagos State Government's support, particularly regarding the planned establishment of additional CBT centres.
He pointed out the disparity in Lagos State, which represents 15 percent of candidates taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) but has less than 10 percent of the nation's CBT centres.
To rectify this imbalance, Oloyede requested further support and collaboration, including help in relocating JAMB's office from Ikoyi to a more central location to facilitate access for mainland-based candidates, who constitute 90 percent of the state's examinees.
"We extend our hands for partnership in sensitization programs. Preparing our students for examinations is essential, and this cannot be achieved without the state's support," Oloyede stated.
