Senate Promises ICT Centers in All 774 LGAs to Expand UTME Access Nationwide!

Beginning with the fiscal year 2026, the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND has committed to allocating funds for the construction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centers in each of the nation’s 774 local government districts.

During its oversight visit to observe the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at Aduvie International School in Jahi, Abuja, on Friday, the committee made this pledge.

The committee chairman, Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South), bemoaned the dearth of computer-based testing (CBT) facilities in numerous local governments, characterizing it as a significant obstacle to equitable access to postsecondary education.

“ICT centers must be made available in all 774 local government councils across the country to facilitate the admissions process for candidates seeking admission to universities or other tertiary institutions through UTME,” Dandutse stated.

“I am from Katsina South Senatorial District, where only two out of the eleven local government councils have ICT centers for UTME,” the senator said, drawing attention to the issue in his own district.

He added that in order to increase accessibility and streamline the test process for applicants across the country, the Senate would work with the House of Representatives to guarantee that money for these centers is included in the national budget for 2026.

Candidates must take the UTME in approved ICT centers because it is a computer-based test administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, informed legislators during the visit that although the board presently runs 880 ICT centers nationwide, they are not dispersed equally throughout all local government districts.

According to Benjamin, “JAMB currently has approximately 900 ICT centers nationwide, and in fact, 880 centers, which do not cover all the 774 local government councils.”

“JAMB will be pleased if the committee helps to secure funding for the construction of ICT centers in local government councils that do not currently have one throughout the nation.”

In response to lawmakers’ worries about system performance, Benjamin reassured them that the current platforms are built to function well without compromising the experience or outcomes of candidates.

As part of its UTME monitoring, the Senate committee, which was composed of Senators Diket Plang (Plateau Central) and Jibrin Isah (Kogi East), also paid a visit to Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3. Senator Dandutse was pleased with the center’s amenities and overall exam administration.