By joshua 
The Engineer of Access: How Sunday Karimi Is Laying Digital Classrooms and Federal Roads Across Kogi West
By Abu Micheal
As Kogi West looks toward 2027, Senator Sunday Karimi’s name is echoing across towns, markets, and political circles.
With a legislative track record built on budgets, oversight, and on-ground delivery, the conversation in the senatorial district is shifting from “if” to “what next” for a second term.
The Senator representing Kogi West has moved to ensure access to education for all constituents in the 2026 appropriation by influencing the upgrade of facilities in selected secondary schools for the establishment of three additional Computer Based Training centres within the district.
The push comes on the heels of last week’s successful hosting of over 1,200 candidates who sat for the 2026 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board examinations at the 288-seater CBT centre in Titcombe College, Egbe, a facility he facilitated in partnership with the Titcombe College Old Students Association.
Speaking in Abuja, Senator Karimi disclosed that three more CBT centres have been earmarked in the budget before the next JAMB and West African Examinations Council examinations. He has made funds available in the 2026 appropriation for the conversion of existing structures at Muslim Community Secondary School, Lokogoma in Lokoja LGA, Government Science School, Iyara in Ijumu LGA, and Okutadudu Comprehensive College, Odo Ere in Yagba West LGA, for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing structures to accommodate 275-capacity CBT testing centres.
Each centre will include 275 laptops, internet connectivity services, Close Circuit Television cameras, solar energy to power the system, standby generating sets, and toilet facilities tailored to meet JAMB requirements.
“I’m already in discussion with the contractor for a timely delivery of the projects without having to wait for fund releases from the federal government to enable the facilities to be ready and approved for 2027 JAMB and WAEC examinations,” he said.
Drawing from the experience of establishing the TCEOSA CBT centre at Titcombe College, Egbe, he added that efforts will be geared to ensure a seamless delivery of the additional three facilities to be located in Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu, Lokoja/Kotonkarfe, and Yagba Federal Constituencies. Beyond the three centres captured in this year’s budget, the Chairman, Senate Services Committee, promised to personally fund a fourth CBT centre at ECWA Secondary School, Mopa in Mopamuro LGA in liaison with the community.
Infrastructure is moving in tandem with education. Work has resumed on the Iluhagba–Mopa–Isanlu–Egbe federal road, with contractor CGC now mobilized to site and making steady progress along the Isanlu–Ejiba axis. Senator Karimi confirmed the contractor’s return was made possible by N3 billion captured for the project in the 2025 budget and an additional N6 billion secured through discussions with the Minister of Works.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works David Umahi for their support in reviving the project. “I am confident that this road will improve the lives and security of our people,” Karimi said, noting that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda “continues to be a reality in Kogi West in particular and Nigeria in general.”
The Iluhagba–Mopa–Isanlu–Egbe road is a major federal route connecting several communities in Kogi West.
Senator Karimi’s years in the Senate have given him solid insight into budgeting, policy, and oversight, and as Chairman, Committee of Senate Services, he has used his position to better the lot of his people and the nation. Constituents point to a footprint that cuts across critical sectors.
On infrastructure, the Kabba–Egbe–Ilorin road and Pakuta bridge projects are enhancing connectivity. On empowerment, over 500 traders in Lokoja have received business support and 50 women cooperatives accessed N100 million funding.
In education, he implemented a N400 million scholarship for 4,000 students and donated N11 million for nursing education development. For water access, he has facilitated over 150 boreholes across Kogi West. On security, he contributed to the establishment of a military base in Egbe for regional security enhancement.
“Sen. Karimi’s focus on enhancing well-being through initiatives is commendable,” says Rukayat Suleiman, President of Unique Ladies Association Lokoja. “His efforts have improved our lives.”
While some critics question his approach, majority supporters see progress. His representation reflects courage, integrity, and a grassroots connection built from networks across Kogi West and beyond.
With real on-ground feel, the engineer-turned-lawmaker has turned federal appropriations into laptops, boreholes, bridges, and scholarships.
A second term, supporter argue, could mean more impactful empowerment programs and attracting infrastructure for Kogi West Senatorial District.
As 2027 approaches, the question in the district is less about Karimi’s track record and more about what another four years of it would wire into Kogi West — more CBT centres approved for JAMB and WAEC, more federal roads open to traffic, and more constituents who can point to a project and say it reached them. For now, the engineer of access is still building.