By Akeem Abas
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ahmed Raji, on Wednesday handed over a 250-capacity Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Iseyin, Oyo State.
Raji, a renowned legal luminary and philanthropist, also donated renovated classrooms and administrative offices at Raji Oke-Esa Memorial Comprehensive High School, Iseyin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Raji Oke-Esa Foundation executed the CBT centre, classroom building, and offices.
While receiving the facilities, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, expressed the board’s deep appreciation, describing Raji as one of Nigeria’s finest legal minds with uncommon commitment to educational development.
Oloyede said the donation was a critical intervention that went beyond charity, noting that JAMB’s painstaking migration from paper-based examinations to computer-based testing had created infrastructural challenges in some areas.
According to him, the centre would bring national examinations closer to candidates in Iseyin and neighbouring communities, reduce travel stress and position the town as an emerging hub for digital transformation.
The JAMB registrar also presented a letter of commendation from the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, urging Nigerians to emulate Raji’s gesture in supporting educational advancement.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Olayiwola, said the state government’s gratitude to Raji knew no bounds.
Makinde noted that the intervention aligned with the state’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and strengthening digital infrastructure across secondary and tertiary institutions.
Meanwhile, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (APC–Oyo North) described Raji as an epitome of character, praising his integrity, values and sustained commitment to community development through education.
A former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, described the donation as timely.
Akande noted that access to CBT facilities remained critical to bridging digital gaps in Nigeria’s education sector.
Similarly, a former Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Alhaji Saheed Yusuf, said the project would significantly reduce financial and logistical burdens on candidates who previously travelled long distances to write examinations.
NAN reports that Raji had earlier announced the institution of three academic awards.
The awards are: the Prof. Ishaq Oloyede Award for the overall best student; the Gov. Seyi Makinde Award for the best female student, and the Abdul-Akeem Olayori Award for the best-behaved student.
He said the awards would guarantee free education for recipients, pledging not to relent in his pursuit of a just, equitable and developed society through sustained investment in education.
NAN reports that the event was attended by traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, students and other well-wishers, who commended Raji’s continuous contributions to societal development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Moses Solanke
