From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, in partnership with Educare, an education technology company has announced the launch of a comprehensive nationwide mock Computer-Based Test (CBT) initiative for JAMB 2024 aspirants.
A statement released yesterday signed by Chief Osita Chidoka for The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and Alex Onyia Founder and CEO of Educare said that building on the successful collaboration that saw the deployment of the CBT test for SS 3 students in the Ogidi division of Anambra State at the Thomas Chidoka Centre for Human Development in Obosi, the new initiative aims to significantly extend its reach and impact.
Speaking on the Objective and Scope, the statement said the initiative aims to bridge the preparation gap for JAMB candidates, reaching at least 1 million students nationwide from March 28th to April 15th.
“It seeks to offer complimentary mock assessments, thereby enhancing test-taking skills, fostering digital examination format familiarity, and supporting focused revision through the identification of strengths and weaknesses”
On the framework of the Initiative, the statement listed -Nationwide Access whereby through participating lesson centers and schools across Nigeria, the mock CBT assessments will be freely available.
Encouraging Excellence where top performers will be rewarded to motivate and spur competitive excellence and Community Involvement where the initiative will encourage partnership with local and federal education bodies to ensure community-wide support and involvement.
Talking about the Partnership, the statement disclosed that the collaboration between Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and Educare is built on their shared commitment to provide equal opportunities and deepen equitable access to quality education for young Nigerians.
“The Athena/Educare partnership also creates a unique and novel opportunity for democratising access to hitherto unavailable learning platforms for majority of students, especially indigent and rural-based pupils. The CBT platform provides instant feedback to the students and recommends improvement opportunities utilising Educare’s widely acclaimed proprietary algorithms”
Expressing his views about the unprecedented program, Osita Chidoka, Founder and Chancellor of the Athena Centre, emphasized the critical need for initiatives like this, stating, “We are committed to expanding opportunities for young people, recognizing the urgent need for Nigeria to develop the manpower required to thrive in the 21st century.”
Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare and a passionate edupreneur, remarked on the partnership thus: “This collaboration leverages the strengths of both organizations to offer unprecedented access and opportunities for Nigerian students, aiming to level the playing field for all.”
The collaboration is also inviting stakeholders including state and federal government entities, to a media event in Abuja where they hope they can make impact and fundamentally alter the educational outcomes of Nigerian students, transforming educational preparedness and setting new standards for academic success.
“We are open to expanding this partnership with the simple goal of increasing access to our youthful population to enhance their pathways to personal and communal success. This initiative is beyond a mere mock exam; it’s a nationwide movement towards academic excellence and equity for all. Athena Centre and Educare will use this program as a manifestation of our deep commitment and dedication to our overarching shared vision of ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the tools and confidence needed to excel in their JAMB examinations and beyond” the statement noted.