The Bank of Industry (BOI) has announced funding opportunities for schools in Rivers state to acquire technology equipment to support their smooth transition to Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE).
The BOI South-South Divisional Head, Medium, Small, Macro and Enterprises, Mr Pacqueens Irabor, disclosed this at a sensitisation programme organised for school owners in Port Harcourt on Thursday. The programme was organised by BOI in conjunction with Teadro Systems Ltd, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Hewlett-Packard Company, Lenovo and Canon.
Irabor said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s drive to modernise the education sector, promote digital literacy and reduce reliance on analogue systems. He explained that the bank was committed to funding education projects that advance digital transformation and sustainable development.
He outlined loan funding options for schools, including the Rural Area Programme on Investment for Development, initiated by BOI to support schools and other businesses. The loan offers a five per cent interest rate for rural enterprises, with a maximum of N10 million. “The loan tenure is three years, with a three-month moratorium on interest and principal payments. A 40 per cent grant component is also available after paying back the loan,” Irabor said.
He added that the Federal Government’s MSME Intervention Fund provided N200 billion for MSMEs, with N75 billion allocated for manufacturers and N75 billion for other businesses. “The interest rate is nine per cent per annum, with a three-year tenure, businesses can access up to N1 billion for manufacturing and N5 million for MSMEs,” he said.
Earlier, WAEC Zonal Coordinator in Port Harcourt, Mr Adeniran-Amusan Akim, said the computer-based WASSCE for all schools in Nigeria would begin with the 2026 diet. He explained that sensitisation had already started in Abuja and would be extended to all states.
Akim expressed confidence in Rivers’ readiness, citing the state’s interest and turnout during the programme. “I doubt if other states have done something like this sensitisation, so I’m highly impressed. That means this state is ready to comply with the requirements for the transition,” he said.
He added that WAEC had designated specific centres for schools that might not meet the required standards for computer-based exams. “These schools will be moved to designated centres where students can take their exams. Schools that wish to conduct exams within their premises must ensure they meet WAEC’s requirements, including necessary equipment and infrastructure,” he explained. Akim emphasised that the computer-based exam system was here to stay, urging schools to adapt.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Teadro Group, Mrs Ehijinwa Temitope, said every school needed an ICT centre because “that is the present and the future.” She highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting schools, stressing that education must be prioritised and backed by organisations that could provide the right tools.
“We train schools to have right educational information regarding the best equipment to use for the ICT centres. This initiative allows schools to directly communicate with Original Equipment Manufacturers, like HP, Lenovo, and Logitech, securing the best deals under school education discounts,” she said.
Highlight of the programme was the donation of a HP computer set, a Canon printer machine, one Lenovo tablet phone, a keyboard and mouse to winners of a raffle draw organised by Teadro Group to promote technological advancement in schools.
(NAN)