By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Ogulagha Kingdom in the Niger Delta witnessed a moment of celebration on Monday as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) officially inaugurated the refurbished and upgraded Sologha Ekpemukpolo JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre.
The initiative, widely praised by stakeholders, marks a significant improvement in educational infrastructure for Delta State’s riverine communities, ensuring that students can now take their JAMB examinations without traveling long distances.
As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), TSSNL provided 250 brand-new HP laptops, Starlink internet services, and a solar inverter system to guarantee an uninterrupted power supply. Originally donated by Shell Petroleum Development Company in 2012 as an ICT hub, the facility has now been fully transformed into a JAMB-accredited CBT centre.
Speaking at the inauguration, a representative of TSSNL highlighted the extensive upgrades made to modernize the facility.
“Tantita renovated the entire centre, repainted it, and replaced all the computers with 250 brand-new systems. We also built new toilet facilities, provided Starlink internet services, and installed a solar inverter system to reduce reliance on diesel,” he stated.
The process of securing JAMB accreditation for the centre began in 2021, led by the lawmaker representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Julius Pondi. Recognizing the difficulties faced by students from riverine areas—who previously had to travel long distances to sit for their exams—Pondi championed the push for a local JAMB centre.
Despite initial resistance due to the centre’s remote location, his sustained efforts led to its approval and subsequent upgrades to meet JAMB’s standards.
Speaking at the event, Pondi, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Tonkiri Apu, expressed gratitude to TSSNL for its role in transforming the centre.
“Upgrading the Ogulagha JAMB Centre to an international standard has brought education closer to our people. Our students no longer need to cross the high sea to write JAMB; now, they can do it within their own community,” he said.
Chairman of Ogulagha Community, Mr. Daniel Okebor, also commended the initiative and assured that the community would safeguard the facility.
“We will do everything within our power to protect this centre. Security measures have been put in place to ensure it is not vandalized,” Okebor pledged.
The upgraded JAMB CBT Centre has been met with excitement from students, many of whom previously endured difficult journeys to the hinterlands for their exams.
One of the students expressed relief, saying, “Before now, we had to travel far and spend money on accommodation just to take JAMB. Now, we can do it right here in our community without any stress.”
With the successful completion of the project, the Ogulagha Kingdom has taken a significant step toward expanding educational opportunities for its youth, demonstrating the impact of collaborative efforts between private organizations and public officials.
