The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, has officially commissioned the NATAP 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 JAMB award projects at Kaduna Polytechnic. The ceremony, held on 5 December 2025, marked the unveiling of key infrastructural developments funded by the board's intervention.
Unveiling the Medical Laboratory and Award Criteria
The flagship project commissioned is a new Medical Laboratory Building constructed for the Shehu Kangiwa Medical Centre within the polytechnic. Prof. Oloyede emphasized that this facility is designed to significantly enhance healthcare delivery for the Kaduna Polytechnic community and the wider populace of Kaduna State.
During a pre-commissioning briefing, the Registrar explained the rigorous criteria institutions must meet to qualify for the JAMB award. He revealed that Kaduna Polytechnic's success was due to its compliance with several key benchmarks.
Pillars of the JAMB Award System
Prof. Oloyede detailed the award criteria, which serve as a blueprint for national educational integration:
- Inclusive Admissions: The institution must admit candidates from every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Oloyede challenged all Nigerian institutions to adopt this inclusive model to curb tribalism and foster national cohesion.
- International Admission Quota: Recognising institutions that attract foreign candidates.
- Gender Balance: Promoting equitable admission practices between male and female students.
- Strict Compliance: Adherence to admission regulations through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) is mandatory and validated by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to ensure impartiality.
The Registrar also lamented the 'japa' syndrome, linking it to staff development issues, and commended the government for paying retirees' entitlements.
Leadership Commendations and Future Pledges
The Chairman of the Kaduna Polytechnic Governing Council, Dr. Oluwakemi Pinheiro (SAN), expressed pride in the commissioning. He praised the polytechnic's management team, led by the Rector, Dr. Suleiman Umar, for their prudent use of JAMB's intervention funds.
"Time and again, this Administration has utilised JAMB’s intervention funds with utmost prudence and purpose," Dr. Pinheiro stated. He highlighted that the projects, including the medical lab, would serve both the institution and the larger society. In a personal commitment, the Chairman pledged his sitting allowances to assist indigent students.
Rector Dr. Suleiman Umar traced the history of the Shehu Mohammed Kangiwa Medical Centre from a modest sickbay in 1969 to its current status as a full-fledged facility. He thanked JAMB for its sustained partnership and pledged the institution's continued prudent management of resources.
"We pledge, once again, our total commitment to the prudent management of all resources entrusted to us and to sustain this mutually beneficial relationship with JAMB for the greater good of education and healthcare in Nigeria," Dr. Umar explained.
Scope of the Commissioned Projects
The commissioned JAMB award projects at Kaduna Polytechnic are comprehensive, including:
- The new Medical Laboratory Building at Shehu Kangiwa Medical Centre.
- A State-of-the-art Crime Investigation Office.
- Supply of laptops and ICT accessories.
- Comprehensive renovation of Block A and B of the Department of Applied Science.
- Upgrade and standardization of Spider FM Radio.
Deputy Rector Academic, Dr. Grace Jamila Bila, concluded the event by appreciating all stakeholders, including staff and students, for making the commissioning a success.
