Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede on Friday formally bowed out as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), bringing an end to his 10-year tenure with a pledge to return quietly to the classroom.
Oloyede handed over the leadership of the examination body to his successor, Professor Segun Aina, at a brief ceremony held at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.
The transition followed the expiration of Oloyede’s two-term tenure on July 31, 2026, after a decade marked by major institutional reforms, technological advancement, increased transparency and stronger accountability in the conduct of examinations and admissions.
Reflecting on his years in office, the outgoing Registrar said he was leaving with gratitude to God and appreciation to the staff, government officials, stakeholders and partners who supported the Board throughout his administration.
Oloyede noted that his return to academic life would allow him to reflect and reconnect with his long-standing commitment to education.
He said the achievements recorded during his tenure were not personal accomplishments but the outcome of collective effort, stressing that the progress made by JAMB was built on teamwork, institutional support and the dedication of its workforce.
“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 JAMB also reduced the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination application by 30 per cent and provided additional support for candidates with special needs.
On institutional discipline, Oloyede said the Board maintained a firm stance against misconduct while ensuring that staff welfare remained a priority.
“We promoted and enhanced staff welfare, but we did not condone indiscipline,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to 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.
Also speaking, Aina thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the Board and assured Nigerians that he would work to protect the credibility of the examination and admissions system.
“The office I assume today does not belong to me,” Aina said. “It belongs to every young Nigerian whose future passes through JAMB.”
He described JAMB as more than an examination body, saying it served as a 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.
The new Registrar pledged to strengthen the integrity of JAMB, improve customer service, reduce stress and uncertainty for candidates and parents, and deepen the use of technology to enhance efficiency and transparency.
He said the credibility of the institution must rest on strong values and systems rather than on any individual.
“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 said.
He also warned individuals involved in examination malpractice, impersonation, credential forgery, fraud and other acts capable of undermining the integrity of JAMB’s operations.
“Your business is with the wrong institution,” he declared, adding that the Board would continue to deploy lawful technological, administrative and investigative measures to detect and deter wrongdoing.
Aina urged candidates to embrace preparation, merit and honest effort, stressing that shortcuts could not replace hard work.
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