By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited has donated 250 laptops and a solar inverter to the Sologha Ekpemupolo Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ogulagha, one of the many creeks in Delta State.
The donation, being part of Tantita’s corporate social responsibility, aims to ease the burden on students who previously had to travel long distances from Delta, Bayelsa and Ondo creeks, to sit for their JAMB examinations.
The CBT facility, which was in a dilapidated state, has now been refurbished and equipped with modern technology, ensuring that students in the riverine community can take their examinations without the risks and inconveniences of travelling across the sea to other towns.
Speaking at the donation ceremony held on Monday in Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area, the facility’s operator, Victor Isereke, recounted how the centre was established in the community and highlighted the efforts of the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, in ensuring its existence.
He noted that Tantita had not only equipped the facility with computers and an inverter but had also fully renovated it.
“Sometime in 2021, our honourable representative saw a gap in our educational system.
“Those of us from riverine communities like this have always faced challenges when seeking higher education. We had to endure the rigorous process of travelling to the hinterlands to sit for JAMB, and many of us failed because of weak academic foundations.
“So, he saw the need to establish a JAMB centre here, eliminating the necessity for students from Ogulagha and its environs to travel. He approached JAMB to make this possible.
“It was a very tedious process because the authorities initially refused, arguing that a JAMB centre could not be located in a riverine area. However, as a member of the National Assembly, he made a strong case, insisting that his people deserved equal opportunities, just like every other Nigerian. Eventually, he succeeded in 2021, and he also equipped the centre, ensuring it met JAMB standards.
“Each year, the honourable member makes every effort to keep the facility operational, and it has remained functional since its inception.
“Last year, after discovering that much of our equipment was failing, and the roof had started leaking, the honourable member sought support from Tantita Security Services.
“We know that Tantita prioritises its corporate social responsibility. They are actively supporting organisations and communities. When we approached them, the Managing Director approved the centre’s upgrade.
“What Tantita has done is beyond expectations. They have completely renovated and repainted the facility. All the computer systems have been replaced with 250 brand-new computers,” he explained.
In her speech, Tantita’s Admin Manager, Daisy Jaja, stated that the donation was an investment in the future of the community’s youth, ensuring that no ambition is hindered due to a lack of resources.
“Today is not just about the donation of equipment; it is about a promise—a promise to invest in the future, to bridge the gap between dreams and reality, and to ensure that no ambition is left unrealised due to a lack of resources.
“We all understand the struggles that have hindered education in our communities. We know the pain of determined students who want to learn but are held back by poor facilities. We recognise the frustration of teachers who are dedicated to shaping future generations.
“Your journey may come with challenges, but never let obstacles define you. Education is your greatest weapon, and with it, you can conquer the world.
“To the teachers and parents, we salute you. Your dedication and sacrifices shape the destinies of these young ones. We urge you to continue mentoring and believing in them. You are raising a generation that will one day transform this nation,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the Ogulagha Community Chairman, Mr Daniel Okebor, expressed gratitude to Tantita for its intervention, noting that the company had consistently supported the community through various initiatives as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“Tantita management has been doing a lot for this community as part of their corporate social responsibility. We sincerely thank the Tantita team and the management, particularly the CEO of the company,” he said.
Mr Okebor also assured that the community would take full responsibility for the security of the facility, ensuring that it remains safe and operational.
“This property has always been ours, and we have been doing everything within our power to prevent vandalism. Security measures have been put in place to protect it,” he added.
He emphasised that individuals had been assigned to oversee the facility and prevent unauthorised access, assuring that the centre would be properly managed and maintained.
He reiterated that the donation of the CBT laptops and solar inverter is expected to significantly improve access to tertiary education for students in Ogulagha and surrounding communities by eliminating the financial and logistical burden of travelling for examinations.
Expressing his excitement, a Senior Secondary School (SSS) Two student, Isaac Hossana, described the upgraded CBT centre as a great relief for students in the area.
“I wasn’t here before, but hearing how students used to cross the sea to write JAMB was shocking. Now, we have our own centre where we can sit for the exams, and we are very happy. We appreciate what they have done for us,” he said.
Similarly, Peter Favour, a student of Basic Principles Dominion School, commended Tantita for its support, noting that the struggle of travelling for exams had now been eliminated.
“I feel bad knowing that students had to cross over to other towns just to write JAMB. But I feel very happy that my case will be different because of this CBT centre.
“I say thank you to Tantita. We are truly grateful,” he said.
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