By Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Lokoja
Kogi state governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has been urged to urgently address issues of insecurity, poor internet facility and unavailability of CBT centers in some parts of Kogi state to anable JAMB candidates participate in annual examination exercise.
The call was made by youths in Kogi Eastern senatorial district who faces mirades of hardship yearly in their pursuit of higher education.
The affected youths who spoke to The Guardian in Lokoja noted that the process of writing JAMB in Kogi, which should be a stepping stone toward academic advancement, has become a burden for many youths and their families.
“We the youths from local government areas such as Ankpa, Omala, Ofu, Olamaboro, Ibaji, and others are forced to travel long distances, sometimes spending as much as ₦10,000 within the state just to access accredited CBT centres. This is an enormous financial strain, especially considering that admission is not guaranteed.
Beyond the issue of distance and cost, candidates are confronted with inadequate facilities at available centres.
“Poor internet connectivity disrupts examinations, causing anxiety and, in some cases, unfair disadvantages to students. These technical challenges undermine the credibility of the process and the confidence of candidates.
“Equally troubling is the issue of insecurity. Many students must travel through unsafe routes to reach examination centres, exposing them to significant risks. This is unacceptable in a system that should prioritize the safety and well-being of its young citizens.
“Furthermore, it is important to highlight why private investors are reluctant to establish JAMB CBT centres in these rural areas. The challenges are clear: unreliable electricity supply, deplorable road networks, poor internet infrastructure, and insecurity. These factors make investment unattractive, thereby deepening the access gap for rural students.
In light of these challenges, the youthd respectfully propose the establishment of government-supported CBT centres across underserved local government areas to reduce travel distance and cost for students.
“The state government should invest in stable internet infrastructure and backup systems to ensure seamless examination processes”
The youths also called for improvement of rural electrification to support digital facilities required for CBT operations, as well as rehabilitation of road networks to enhance accessibility and encourage private sector participation.
The youths obswrv d that education remains the foundation of any progressive society. The current situation places rural students at a significant disadvantage, not because of lack of ability, but because of systemic neglect.
“Addressing these issues will not only improve access to examinations but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to equitable education for all”
