Kano State to install 13,200 computers at ICT, CBT centres across 44 LGAs

The Kano State Government has awarded contracts worth N27.8 billion to construct Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state’s 44 local government areas (LGAs). This move will see roughly 13,200 computers installed statewide as Nigeria races toward a 2027 deadline for full computer-based testing.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mohammed Tajo-Othman, disclosed the contract award at a ceremony held at the ministry in Kano, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said each centre would be equipped with 300 computers, a high-capacity internet server network, and an uninterrupted power supply backed by the national grid, solar energy and standby generators. The project is expected to be completed within 16 to 18 weeks.

Contractors and oversight

Six firms are handling the project: Odaleg Properties and Constructions Limited, Aytaam Construction Limited, Trusted Development, Kodak Prime, Vind R&D Partnership Limited and Cornerstone Construction & Engineering Limited. Vind R&D Partnership Limited will also serve as project consultant, overseeing supervision and quality assurance, while teams from the local government areas and the ministry are to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with required standards.

Tajo-Othman said the centres would expand access to digital learning, e-examinations and technology skills training for young people at the grassroots, while also supporting computer-based examinations run by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). He said the initiative was expected to create jobs while improving access to digital infrastructure across the 44 LGAs.

Also read: 46 CBT centres withdrawn for failing to meet JAMB standards

Kano State joins the national CBT push

The Kano rollout aligns with a Federal Government plan, announced in 2025, to transition Nigeria’s examination system fully to computer-based testing by 2027.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the plan during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Abuja. The committee was tasked with standardising examination practices and addressing exam malpractice, leakages and candidate swapping, where a substitute sits an examination in another candidate’s place.

The Kano ICT-CBT award is the latest in a string of infrastructure approvals by the state government in 2026. In April, Kano approved N21.29 billion for the rehabilitation of the Tamburawa and Challawa water treatment plants, including N9.9 billion for Tamburawa’s plant and pump station and N11.39 billion for Challawa’s facility and the restoration of the Goron Dutse reservoirs.

In February, the state approved over N6.9 billion for road, drainage, water supply, education and entrepreneurship projects, including N2.6 billion for the Yandodo–Mai-Allo Road and N358.5 million for stormwater drainage in Kano Municipal.