Kano Govt Launches ₦27.8bn Digital Project to Build ICT, CBT Centres in 44 LGAs

KANO — The Kano State Government has commenced a major digital infrastructure project following the award of ₦27.8 billion contracts for ICT and Computer-Based Test centres in all 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo-Othman, announced the contract awards during a ceremony at the ministry on Tuesday.

A statement by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Bello-Sani, quoted the commissioner as saying that the project would extend digital education, e-examinations and technology training to communities across the state.

Tajo-Othman described the initiative as another major milestone for Kano, saying it was made possible by the vision of Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf.

“This historic achievement would not have been possible without the vision and foresight of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf,” he said.

“By bringing ICT/CBT centres to every local government area, we are taking digital opportunities closer to our people and preparing our youth for the future,” the commissioner stated.

Centres to feature modern technology

The commissioner said every centre would be fitted with a high-capacity internet server network, 300 computers and a multi-source power supply system.

According to him, the centres will receive electricity from the national grid, while solar installations and standby generators will provide additional power to ensure uninterrupted operations.

He said the scale of the project made it the first of its kind across all local government areas in Nigeria and projected that construction would be completed within 16 to 18 weeks.

The contracts were awarded to Odaleg Properties and Constructions Limited, Aytaam Construction Limited, Trusted Development, KODAK PRIME, VIND R&D PARTNERSHIP Limited and CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING Limited.

Vivid R&D Partnership Limited was appointed as Project Consultant to oversee the projects and ensure quality assurance.

Government promises regular monitoring

Tajo-Othman said teams from the ministry and the various local government areas would regularly inspect construction sites to monitor progress and ensure compliance with specifications.

The contractors expressed appreciation to the state government for selecting them for the projects and pledged to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe and according to the required standards.

The commissioner said the facilities would not only expand access to digital examinations but also create employment opportunities across the state.

He added that the centres would provide infrastructure for examination bodies such as JAMB, WAEC and NECO to conduct computer-based examinations.

The facilities are also expected to serve as hubs for digital skills acquisition, giving young people across Kano greater access to technology training and other digital opportunities.

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