Chairman of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), Professor Turner Isoun has commended the Management of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) for conceiving the idea of establishing an ICT hub for the institution.
Professor Isoun made the commendation at the inauguration ceremony of the three hundred capacity Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centre sponsored by the EDTF at the UAT.
Represented by Professor Francis Sikoki, the Chairman noted that the EDTF funded the project due to its importance as it would not only provide the platform for innovative programmes for the education sector but for the State in particular and the country in general.
He stated that the flagship project is the only government owned Computer-Based Testing Centre in the State, presently.
According to the Chairman, with its establishment, national admission tests and other international performance assessments such as American TOEFL, SAT and others would be done with ease, cheaper and speedily.
The EDTF Chairman further enumerated other benefits of the Test Centre to include, the reduction in cheating during examinations, immediate grading, user friendliness for people with physical challenges amongst others.
Professor Isoun expressed optimism that services rendered at the Centre would be of immense benefit to the people of the rural communities that are isolated and in remote places along the riverine areas and in the creeks.
He tasked the University to be innovative and tailor its programmes to address the peculiar challenges confronting the people of the State.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the EDTF, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo said the fund is pleased to have served as a principal partner in establishing the Centre.
Dr. Atuwo noted that the project is part of the mandates of the Fund as an interventionist agency in the education sector.
She urged the UAT leadership and staff to make judicious use of the multi-million naira project, accord its maintenance a priority and ensure it grows to become a World Class Centre of Excellence.
Earlier in a welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Professor Kingston Nyamapfene appreciated the EDTF for the partnership that has brought about the Test Centre.
Professor Nyamapfene stated that the three hundred capacity Centre is currently being evaluated by JAMB officials to make it one of the accredited Centres for its examinations in the State, particularly the West Senatorial District.
While thanking the Chairman, Executive Secretary and members of the Trust Fund for other areas of interventions such as the Bio-Tech human Capacity building programme in the past, he sued for more synergy to enable the University overcome its immediate challenges.