Outgoing JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede and his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, during the handover ceremony held on Friday at the JAMB Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja
Outgoing Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, on Friday formally handed over the leadership of the examination body after a decade in office, expressing gratitude to God, successive administrations, stakeholders and JAMB staff for what he described as a transformative journey in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system.
Delivering his farewell address titled “History Made, Future Beckons” at the handover ceremony held at JAMB National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, Oloyede said the achievements recorded during his tenure were the result of collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.
Reflecting on his appointment in 2016, the former Registrar recalled that his inaugural message, “Let’s Do It Together,” became the guiding philosophy of his administration, emphasizing teamwork, institutional collaboration and shared responsibility.
He expressed appreciation to former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Olusegun Obasanjo for their confidence in him, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining that confidence. He also acknowledged the support of successive Ministers of Education, Permanent Secretaries, state governors, development partners and numerous stakeholders who contributed to JAMB’s growth over the past ten years.
The outgoing Registrar highlighted significant reforms introduced under his leadership, including the strengthening of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, deployment of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), enhanced biometric verification, digital payment systems, Remote Authoring and Moderation System (RAMS), and broader institutional digital transformation aimed at improving transparency and reducing examination malpractice.
According to him, staff welfare remained one of the administration’s major priorities. He disclosed that JAMB invested over ₦8 billion in employees’ retirement savings, introduced annual bonuses, examination duty incentives, transportation support, medical interventions and retirement packages ranging between ₦3 million and ₦10 million.
Oloyede also noted that the Board reduced the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application by about 30 percent, while providing special support for candidates living with disabilities, including sponsorship, accommodation, feeding and transportation during examinations.
On accountability, he said the administration maintained a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct, stressing that several staff members faced disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary.
He attributed JAMB’s financial prudence and consistent remittances of operational surpluses to the Federal Government to strict discipline and transparent financial management.
The former Registrar further acknowledged the extensive support received from governors across the federation, who facilitated the establishment of professional test centres, zonal offices and other infrastructure projects in various states.
He praised JAMB staff, describing them as competent, resilient and committed professionals whose dedication elevated the Board’s reputation nationally and internationally.
Looking ahead, Oloyede expressed confidence in his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, saying the incoming Registrar possesses the technological expertise and youthful energy required to move the Board to greater heights.
“I have no doubt that under the leadership of Professor Segun Aina, JAMB will continue to attain even greater heights in the service of our nation,” he said.
Calling on stakeholders to rally behind the new leadership, Oloyede urged Nigerians to support his successor, emphasizing that institutional progress depends on continuity.
“There is no success without a successor,” he remarked, adding that he would remain available to offer advice whenever needed.
As he concluded his tenure, the outgoing Registrar thanked his family, friends, colleagues and all Nigerians who supported him throughout his years of service, praying for God’s continued guidance over JAMB and its future leadership.
The ceremony marked the official transfer of leadership to Prof. Segun Aina, who now assumes responsibility for overseeing Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
It would be recalled that Prof Oloyode was appointed as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on August 6, 2016 and led one of the most far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s education sector.
Reappointed in 2021, his decade-long tenure up to 2026 has been defined by a clear agenda built on technology, transparency, and integrity. Through these pillars, Oloyede repositioned JAMB from a corruption-prone examination body into a more credible, efficient, and globally comparable institution.
Speaking at his inauguration in Abuja, Aina described his appointment as “a solemn call to serve” and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of one of Nigeria’s most strategic public institutions.
“I shall discharge this responsibility with integrity, fairness, diligence and an unwavering commitment to the public good,” he said.
The new Registrar also thanked the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, pledging to work closely with them to advance reforms aimed at improving access to quality education.
Aina paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, commending his leadership, transparency and willingness to ensure a seamless transition.
“Leadership is measured not only by how we assume office, but also by how we prepare others to succeed,” he said, describing Oloyede’s openness and mentorship as hallmarks of exemplary public service.
He also acknowledged former JAMB Registrars, including the pioneer Registrar, Michael Saidu Angulu, Dr. Mohammed S. Abdulrahman, Professor Bello Salim and Professor ‘Dibu Ojerinde, recognising their respective contributions to the evolution of the examination body.
He noted that JAMB was far more than an examination body, describing it as the bridge between the aspirations of millions of young Nigerians and opportunities for higher education.
“Behind every registration number is a young person with a dream. Behind every application is a family making sacrifices. Behind every admission is the hope of a better future,” he said.
Making integrity the centrepiece of his administration, Aina declared that examination malpractice, impersonation, credential forgery, cybercrime, bribery and every form of fraud against the Board would be vigorously confronted.
Addressing those involved in examination fraud, he warned: “Your business is with the wrong institution.”
He said JAMB would continue to deploy advanced technology, strengthen partnerships with security and law enforcement agencies, and adopt global best practices to safeguard the credibility of its examinations and admissions processes.
“The future belongs to those who prepare, not those who cheat,” he said, stressing that every fraudulent admission amounted to stealing opportunities from deserving candidates.
Beyond examination integrity, Aina promised to make JAMB more responsive to candidates, parents and tertiary institutions by simplifying procedures, improving communication, strengthening customer support and investing in technology and staff development.
strengthening customer support and investing in technology and staff development.
He urged JAMB employees to embrace innovation, challenge outdated practices and work collectively to improve service delivery.
