Defending Integrity: Why Prof. Oloyede’s Leadership at JAMB Deserves Recognition, Not Reproach

Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, JAMB’s Registrar

At a time when Nigeria's institutions are under growing scrutiny, it is crucial to distinguish between failure and accountability — and to commend leadership that embraces the latter. The recent disruption during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has sparked widespread reactions. Yet, amid the outrage, it's important we assess the response of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with fairness and perspective.

Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, JAMB’s Registrar, is no stranger to public service or reform. As someone who has followed his work closely for decades, I believe his conduct during this crisis deserves acknowledgment. When technical hitches affected UTME candidates across various centres, JAMB did not shy away. The Board accepted responsibility, launched an investigation, and scheduled resits — all while engaging transparently with stakeholders and the public. That is not an attempt to deflect blame, but an example of principled leadership.

Globally, similar disruptions have occurred in major standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT in the U.S., and entrance exams in the UK and India. In these instances, the solution was not scapegoating officials, but instituting corrective measures. JAMB’s response reflects these international best practices — proving that it is possible to uphold integrity even in the face of errors.

Yet, it is troubling that the issue is now being used by some to fuel ethnic and religious sentiments — accusations that are both unfounded and dangerous. The disruption cut across regions, and there is no credible evidence of bias in the Board’s handling of the situation. To politicize a technical problem is not only unjust to Prof. Oloyede but also harmful to national cohesion.

Calls for the Registrar’s resignation, though perhaps well-intentioned, risk setting a precedent that punishes transparency. If we chastise public officials for acknowledging mistakes and acting swiftly to fix them, we may inadvertently encourage silence and cover-ups in the future. This is not the lesson we should draw.

Prof. Oloyede’s tenure at JAMB since 2016 has been nothing short of transformative. He introduced biometric verification, CCTV monitoring, and stricter accreditation for CBT centres — all of which significantly reduced malpractice. Through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), he brought fairness and automation to the admissions process, minimizing human interference and corruption.

Financially, his stewardship has been exemplary. Within six years, JAMB generated over ₦50 billion in surplus — a feat unmatched in its history. Of this, ₦29 billion was remitted to the national treasury, while substantial amounts were reinvested in infrastructure and operations. Despite reducing UTME fees, the Board remains financially healthy, efficient, and transparent.

Prof. Oloyede’s track record is not about perfection, but about integrity, vision, and measurable impact. His leadership has raised the bar, not just for JAMB, but for how public institutions should be run in Nigeria. This should not be overlooked in a moment of crisis.

As we move forward, let us focus on improving systems, not undermining the individuals who have worked tirelessly to strengthen them. Prof. Oloyede’s work continues to be a benchmark in education reform, and his approach to public service — marked by humility, responsiveness, and accountability — is one Nigeria urgently needs more of.

Criticism is welcome. But it must be constructive, fair, and fact-based. Nigeria's progress depends not only on reformers but also on a public willing to support integrity, even when things go wrong.

— Prof. Siyan Oyeweso
Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Source News
The Guardian

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