Professor Oloyede Bows Out as Professor Aina Takes Over at JAMB, Pledges to Deepen Integrity and Innovation By Beauty Akporido Aroh
Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede has officially concluded his decade-long tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), handing over the leadership of the nation’s foremost admissions body to Professor Segun Aina.
The brief but symbolic handover ceremony took place at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, marking the end of Oloyede’s two-term tenure on July 31, 2026.
Widely credited with transforming JAMB through sweeping institutional reforms, technological innovation and enhanced transparency, Oloyede leaves behind an organisation that has gained renewed public confidence in the conduct of examinations and admissions.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Registrar expressed gratitude to God, the Federal Government, members of staff and stakeholders whose collective efforts, he said, made the Board’s achievements possible.
He described his return to academic life as an opportunity to reconnect with his passion for teaching and scholarship, emphasizing that JAMB’s successes were built on teamwork rather than individual accomplishments.
> “I will quietly go back to class. Whatever accomplishments have been recorded during this period are not mine alone. They are the result of many people working together for a common purpose,” he said.
Oloyede highlighted key milestones recorded under his administration, including a 30 per cent reduction in the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application forms and expanded support for candidates living with disabilities.
He also reaffirmed that while his administration prioritised staff welfare, it maintained zero tolerance for indiscipline and unethical conduct within the organisation.
The former Registrar thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, as well as the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and other government officials for their support throughout his tenure.
Taking over the reins, Professor Segun Aina pledged to consolidate on the gains recorded by his predecessor while strengthening the credibility, efficiency and transparency of the Board.
Expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for the appointment, Aina described JAMB as far more than an examination agency, noting that it represents the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian youths seeking higher education.
> “The office I assume today does not belong to me. It belongs to every young Nigerian whose future passes through JAMB,” he said.
According to him, every registration number represents a dream, every application reflects a family’s sacrifice, and every admission symbolizes hope for a brighter future.
The new Registrar promised to improve customer service, reduce the stress experienced by candidates and parents, deepen the deployment of technology and reinforce institutional systems that promote accountability.
He stressed that the enduring strength of JAMB must lie in robust systems rather than the influence of individuals.
> “If, at the end of my stewardship, JAMB becomes less dependent on individuals and more dependent on strong systems, then I shall consider my service worthwhile,” Aina stated.
He also issued a stern warning to examination fraudsters, impersonators, certificate forgers and other individuals seeking to compromise the integrity of the admissions process.
According to him, JAMB will continue to deploy lawful technological, administrative and investigative mechanisms to detect, prevent and punish examination malpractice.
Aina urged candidates across the country to embrace diligence, integrity and merit, insisting that hard work remains the only sustainable path to academic success.
The transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for JAMB as the Board seeks to build on a decade of reforms while sustaining public trust in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system.
