ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Kano State Government has approved contracts worth N27.8 billion for the construction of Information and Communication Technology and Computer-Based Test centres across the state’s 44 local government areas.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mohammed Tajo-Othman, disclosed this on Tuesday during the contract award ceremony at the ministry in Kano.
The commissioner said the project was designed to take digital learning, e-examinations and technology-based skills training closer to young people in rural communities.
He described the initiative as a major milestone for the state, crediting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the vision behind the project.
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Tajo-Othman said establishing ICT and CBT centres in every local government area would broaden access to digital opportunities and equip young people with skills needed in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
“This historic achievement would not have been possible without the vision and foresight of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf,” he said.
According to the commissioner, each centre would have a high-capacity internet server network, 300 computers and an uninterrupted power supply system combining electricity from the national grid, solar energy and standby generators, Vanguard repoets.
He said the project was the first of its kind to be undertaken across all local government areas in Nigeria, adding that construction was expected to be completed within 16 to 18 weeks.
The contracts were awarded to Odaleg Properties and Constructions Limited, Aytaam Construction Limited, Trusted Development, KODAK PRIME, VIND R&D Partnership Limited and Cornerstone Construction & Engineering Limited.
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Vivid R&D Partnership Limited was appointed as project consultant to oversee supervision and quality assurance.
The contractors, while responding to the award, thanked the state government for entrusting them with the project and pledged to deliver the centres according to the required standards and within the agreed timeframe.
Tajo-Othman said the ministry and teams from the respective local government areas would conduct regular inspections of the sites to ensure compliance with specifications.
Beyond facilitating digital examinations, he said the centres would support examination bodies, including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council.
He added that the facilities would also provide venues for digital skills development and create employment opportunities across the state.