Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to improve quality education, announcing plans to establish additional Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) centres across the state.

Sanwo-Olu made the promise during a visit by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede to the Lagos House in Ikeja.

He announced plans to allocate sizable plots of land in Ojo, FESTAC, Ikorodu and Mile 12 for the construction of new Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, aimed at supporting JAMB’s mission and easing access for candidates.

“Education is one of the strongest tools you can give to a human being,” the governor said, emphasising the role of education in fostering economic growth. Reiterating his administration’s support for education, the governor highlighted initiatives such as the Teacher’s Merit Award, which rewards outstanding educators with training, cash incentives, and vehicles as part of efforts to sustain the teaching profession.

“We will continue to encourage people to remain in the teaching sector. That is the only way we can keep the profession alive,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that Lagos State had partnered with a public school in Singapore to enhance staff development, adding that the state boasts of one of the best public service staff development schools in the country. The governor commended Prof. Oloyede for the transformative strides he has achieved at JAMB.

He praised the registrar’s dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence as key factors driving the significant improvements witnessed at the institution in recent years.

“I commend him for the remarkable transformation he has brought to JAMB. His dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to fostering collaboration with JAMB, the governor emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing educational opportunities for the youth.

He also expressed optimism about the future of education in Lagos and across Nigeria, citing the potential of such collaborations to drive transformative impacts.

“Together, I believe we can achieve even more significant milestones to benefit our state and the entire country by enhancing the educational landscape and creating opportunities for our youths.”

In his response, Oloyede expressed gratitude for the Lagos State Government’s support, particularly the planned establishment of more CBT centres.

He highlighted the disparity in Lagos State, which accounts for 15 per cent of candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) but has less than 10 percent of the country’s CBT centres.

To address this imbalance, Oloyede appealed for further support and collaboration, including assistance in relocating JAMB’s office from Ikoyi to a more central location to ease access for mainland-based candidates, who make up 90 per cent of the state’s examinees.

“We extend our hands of partnership in sensitisation programmes. Priming our students for examinations is necessary, and this cannot be done without the state’s support,” Oloyede said.