The outgoing Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, on Friday officially began the process of handing over the leadership of the examination body to his successor, Professor Segun Aina, during a ceremony held at the board’s headquarters in Abuja.
The event marks the end of Oloyede’s 10-year tenure as JAMB Registrar, a period widely recognised for major reforms aimed at improving the credibility, efficiency, and transparency of Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system.
During his time in office, the board introduced a number of digital innovations and policy changes designed to strengthen the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and make the admission process more transparent.
The handover ceremony attracted top government officials, members of JAMB’s management, directors, staff, education stakeholders, and invited guests who gathered to witness the formal transition of leadership at one of Nigeria’s most important education agencies.
Professor Segun Aina is expected to officially assume office after the completion of the handover process.
He will take over the responsibility of overseeing the board’s operations, including the organisation of the UTME, Direct Entry admissions, and other activities relating to admission into tertiary institutions across the country.
Stakeholders believe Aina will continue the reforms introduced by his predecessor while also bringing fresh ideas to address emerging challenges in Nigeria’s education sector.
Expectations are high that the new Registrar will sustain the board’s drive for transparency, innovation, accountability, and improved service delivery.
Speaking during his farewell address, Professor Oloyede expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve as Registrar of JAMB.
He also thanked members of the board’s management, staff, government agencies, tertiary institutions, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their support, cooperation, and commitment throughout his decade-long administration.
He urged everyone to extend the same level of support and collaboration to Professor Aina to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for the examination body.
According to Oloyede, the achievements recorded by JAMB over the last 10 years were not the efforts of one individual but the result of teamwork, professionalism, dedication, and integrity displayed by members of staff and partners of the board.
He expressed confidence that JAMB would continue to build on the reforms and innovations introduced during his tenure, adding that the institution remains well-positioned to achieve even greater success under its new leadership.
Oloyede also reaffirmed his belief that the board would remain committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, fairness, and excellence in managing Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
He stressed the importance of maintaining public trust in the examination body and ensuring that admissions into higher institutions continue to be based on merit and due process.
The leadership transition comes at a crucial time for JAMB as it prepares for future admission exercises and seeks to strengthen confidence in the nation’s education system.
Many stakeholders are expected to closely watch the new administration to see how it consolidates on existing reforms while introducing new initiatives to improve the board’s operations.
The handover ceremony was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report, with more details expected to emerge after the formal transfer of authority is completed.
