We’ll Deploy Everything Lawful To Protect JAMB’s Integrity- Aina
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Friday witnessed a historic leadership transition as outgoing Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, formally handed over to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, after a decade of far-reaching reforms that transformed Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system.
The colourful ceremony at JAMB’s national headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, marked the end of Oloyede’s ten-year stewardship and the beginning of what Aina described as a new era anchored on integrity, innovation and an uncompromising war against examination malpractice.
In an emotional farewell address, Oloyede declared that he was leaving behind “a stronger, more transparent and globally respected institution” than the one he inherited in 2016.
Reflecting on what he described as ten years of “history-making reforms,” the outgoing Registrar said JAMB had evolved into one of Nigeria’s most credible public institutions through technology, discipline, transparency, staff welfare and strategic partnerships.
“There is no success without a successor,” Oloyede said as he formally handed over to Aina.
“Support Professor Aina and pray for his success because his success will be the success of JAMB and Nigeria, “ he said.
The former Registrar attributed the Board’s transformation to divine grace and teamwork, recalling that his administration began with the slogan, “Let’s Do It Together,” which became the driving philosophy behind JAMB’s remarkable achievements.
Looking back on his stewardship, Oloyede highlighted landmark reforms that fundamentally changed Nigeria’s admission process, including the expansion of the Computer-Based Test, CBT, the introduction of the Central Admissions Processing System, CAPS, biometric verification, digital payment platforms, CCTV surveillance, remote examination technologies and broader digital transformation.
According to him, the reforms drastically reduced examination malpractice, eliminated opaque admission practices and restored public confidence in the nation’s tertiary admissions process.
“Technology became the backbone of our reforms. It strengthened integrity, improved efficiency and made manipulation increasingly difficult,” he said.
Beyond technology, Oloyede said his administration invested heavily in staff welfare, committing over N8 billion to retirement savings, introducing a 13th-month salary, increasing examination duty allowances from 10 to 20 per cent, providing free transportation and meals for staff on critical assignments and funding medical treatments worth millions of naira.
Retiring workers, he added, received severance packages ranging from ?3 million to N10 million.
“We believe that motivated workers are essential to building an efficient institution,” he stated.
The outgoing Registrar also defended his administration’s strict disciplinary measures, revealing that more than 10 staff members were prosecuted over alleged misconduct.
He cited the infamous “snake swallowed N36 million” incident as one of several anti-corruption actions taken to instil accountability within the Board.
“We promoted staff welfare but never compromised on discipline. You either endure the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of regret,” he declared.
Oloyede further disclosed that JAMB reduced the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ,UTME form by 30 per cent, while providing free transportation, accommodation, feeding and refunds to candidates living with disabilities.
He also said the Board disbursed about N750 million annually to tertiary institutions through the National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit, NATAPM Awards.
While admitting that no administration is perfect, Oloyede accepted responsibility for any shortcomings.
“We made mistakes and corrected them. Whatever was done well belongs to all of us. Whatever fell short, I accept responsibility and ask for forgiveness,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Aina’s youthful energy and expertise in Information and Communication Technology ,ICT ,would propel JAMB to even greater heights.
“My belief is that his vibrancy and ICT expertise will take this institution beyond what we have achieved. The future is now. Prof. Aina, the sky shall be your beginning, not your limit,” he said.
Barely moments after taking over, the new Registrar signalled that there would be no let-up in JAMB’s battle against examination fraud.
In his inaugural address, Aina vowed to deploy every lawful technological, administrative and investigative measure to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
He issued a stern warning to examination malpractice syndicates, impersonators, certificate forgers, cybercriminals, corrupt officials and operators of compromised Computer-Based Test centres.
“To those who organise examination malpractice, recruit impersonators, forge credentials, compromise CBT centres, exploit desperate candidates and parents, engage in cybercrime, extortion, bribery or identity theft, hear me clearly: your business is in the wrong institution,” Aina declared.
“We shall protect the integrity of JAMB with everything the law permits.”
He assured Nigerians that the Board would deepen collaboration with security agencies while deploying stronger technologies and global best practices to stay ahead of fraudsters.
“The future belongs to those who prepare, not those who cheat. Every fraudulent admission secured through malpractice is a place stolen from an honest Nigerian. We shall do everything within the law to ensure that such theft does not succeed,” he said.
Describing JAMB as “the bridge between aspiration and opportunity,” Aina said the Board bears an enormous responsibility because every registration number represents the dream of a young Nigerian and the sacrifice of a family.
“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 for a better future,” he stated.
The new Registrar promised to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with JAMB’s services by simplifying processes, improving communication, strengthening customer support and modernising service delivery.
According to him, every interaction with the Board should leave candidates and parents “more informed, more respected and less anxious.”
“We must never become the source of unnecessary trauma for Nigerians,” he said.
Aina also pledged to build stronger institutions rather than personality-driven leadership, insisting that enduring public institutions are sustained by values, accountability and resilient systems.
“If, at the end of my stewardship, JAMB becomes less dependent on individuals and more dependent on strong systems, less vulnerable to personalities and more resilient because of its culture, then I shall consider my service worthwhile,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him Registrar and pledged to discharge the responsibility with integrity, fairness and diligence.
Paying tribute to former Registrars, particularly Oloyede, Aina commended his predecessor for leaving behind a credible institution and ensuring a seamless transition.
“Leadership is not measured only by how we assume office but by how we prepare others to succeed,” he said.
