By GRACE AUDU, Abuja –

The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, on Monday unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic agenda designed to consolidate the Board’s achievements while transforming it into Africa’s most trusted, innovative and accessible assessment and admissions institution.

Speaking in Abuja as he formally assumed office, Prof. Aina described his appointment as both “a homecoming and a solemn responsibility,” pledging to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, through innovation, stronger institutional systems and improved service delivery.

Presenting the strategic blueprint, “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” the new Registrar said the 2026–2031 development agenda is anchored on Project 2:5:7—a framework comprising two strategic objectives, five enduring pillars and seven flagship initiatives aimed at positioning JAMB among the world’s leading technology-driven examination and admissions agencies.

According to him, the blueprint is rooted in the Board’s statutory mandate to provide fair, credible, secure and equitable access to tertiary education through transparent registration, credible assessments and merit-based placement of qualified candidates.

Prof. Aina reaffirmed his vision of making JAMB Africa’s foremost assessment and admissions institution, stressing that the Board’s credibility must continue to be built on strong systems, institutional values and enduring partnerships rather than on individuals.

Five Pillars for Institutional Transformation

The Registrar explained that the reform agenda would be driven by five enduring pillars designed to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the experience of candidates and other stakeholders.

The first pillar, Integrity – The Foundation, seeks to reinforce public confidence through internationally recognised standards, including ISO 27001 Information Security Certification, independent technology reviews and verifiable systems that promote transparency, accountability and trust.

The second pillar, Service – The Heart, focuses on improving customer experience through responsive service delivery, transparent communication, proactive stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement across all interfaces with candidates, parents, tertiary institutions and the public.

Under the third pillar, Governance – The Framework, JAMB will strengthen institutional governance through enhanced performance monitoring, improved contract management, greater operational resilience and stronger internal accountability mechanisms to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and on schedule.

The fourth pillar, Technology – The Enabler, places innovation at the centre of the Board’s future. It includes expanding JAMB’s in-house digital infrastructure through scalable mobile and web platforms, modern printing systems, artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to improve decision-making and service delivery.

Recognising the importance of collaboration, the fifth pillar, Partnerships – The Multiplier, aims to deepen engagement with financial institutions, fintech companies, educational organisations and international partners to promote innovation, enhance service delivery and create greater opportunities for stakeholders.

Seven Flagship Initiatives

To translate the vision into measurable outcomes, Prof. Aina announced seven flagship initiatives that will be implemented over the next five years.

They include an independent technology audit of JAMB’s digital infrastructure, attainment of ISO 27001 Information Security Certification, development of a unified JAMB mobile application, strategic communication and brand repositioning, establishment of an integrated customer service platform, implementation of a fully paperless enterprise-wide digital administration system, and enhanced staff welfare and capacity development.

According to the Registrar, these initiatives are expected to make the Board more digitally integrated, secure, efficient and responsive while strengthening public confidence in its operations.

People at the Centre of Reform

Prof. Aina emphasised that although technology would drive JAMB’s next phase of growth, people would remain at the heart of its transformation.

He observed that every registration represents the hopes and aspirations of a young Nigerian as well as the sacrifices of parents and guardians, assuring stakeholders that his administration would continue to simplify processes, improve communication and uphold fairness, transparency and integrity in every aspect of the Board’s operations.

He also urged members of staff to embrace innovation, professionalism and teamwork, noting that enduring institutions are built by people united by shared values, excellence and a common purpose.

As JAMB begins a new chapter under his leadership, Prof. Aina reaffirmed his commitment to building stronger systems that will outlive individuals, deepen public trust and position the Board as a global benchmark in technology-driven examination and admissions administration.

[With a report by The State Online]