* Say no Registrar has transformed
the 48-year-old examination body
like the NSCIA Secretary-General
Leading Muslim organisations across Nigeria have paid glowing tributes to the immediate past Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, describing his decade long leadership of the examination body as the most transformative since its establishment 48 years ago.
The organisations, including the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria Lagos State Area Unit (MSSN) and the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), praised the outgoing registrar for restoring integrity, transparency, accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.
The groups also congratulated Prof Oloyede, who doubles as Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, on the successful completion of his tenure, describing him as a pride of Islam whose public service has reflected the ethical values of the Muslim faith.
Professor Oloyede, who was appointed Registrar of JAMB in 2016 by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed for a second term in 2021, officially concluded his tenure on July 31, 2026, after serving for 10 years.
He has since handed over to Professor Segun Aina, a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
Lotus Bank: 1011740332
GTBank: 0568624004
Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us continue producing impactful, independent and community driven journalism. Thank you for your support.
‘No registrar transformed JAMB like Oloyede’
The organisations unanimously agreed that no previous registrar had transformed JAMB as profoundly as Oloyede.
They noted that under his leadership, JAMB evolved from an institution frequently associated with inefficiency and financial opacity into one of Nigeria’s most respected public agencies.
Among the reforms highlighted were the strengthening of the Computer Based Test system, the introduction of the Central Admissions Processing System, improved transparency in the admission process, technology driven measures that drastically reduced examination malpractice, prudent financial management and the remittance of more than N55 billion to the Federal Government.
The organisations also pointed to the reduction in the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination forms (UTME), improved welfare for staff, sponsorship of candidates with special needs and sustained investments in institutional development as evidence of Oloyede’s people centred leadership.
MUSWEN praises transparency and accountability
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria described Oloyede as a model of transparency and accountability.
The organisation said his administration fundamentally changed the financial culture of JAMB, noting that before his appointment, the board remitted very little to the national treasury.
According to MUSWEN, Oloyede’s prudent management enabled the board to return more than N55 billion to the Federal Government while restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s examination system.
The organisation urged education stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media to support the new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, in sustaining the reforms introduced over the last decade.
MPAC says Oloyede embodied Islamic leadership
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre described Oloyede’s stewardship as a shining example of ethical public leadership rooted in Islamic values.
Executive Chairman of MPAC, Disu Kamor, said Oloyede demonstrated that integrity, competence, justice, honesty and accountability remain the strongest foundations for effective public administration.
According to the organisation, Oloyede’s conduct reflected the Islamic concept of amanah, describing public office as a sacred trust rather than a privilege for personal enrichment.
MPAC said his achievements had established a benchmark for institutional excellence and urged Professor Segun Aina to consolidate on the reforms by preserving the gains while introducing new innovations that would further strengthen the credibility and global competitiveness of JAMB.
The organisation also called on public office holders across Nigeria to emulate Oloyede’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
MSSN Lagos highlights reforms in education
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, also applauded Oloyede’s contributions to educational assessment and admissions management.
The Amir of MSSN Lagos, Dr Ajibola Yusuf Salami, said Oloyede’s commitment to fairness and transparency empowered millions of students while strengthening confidence in the country’s admission process.
The society highlighted several reforms introduced during his administration, including a 30 per cent reduction in UTME application fees, the introduction of CAPS, sponsorship of candidates with special needs and their guides, increased staff welfare and significant contributions to retirement savings.
MSSN Lagos urged the incoming registrar to sustain transparency through stronger monitoring systems and wider deployment of technology to improve examination integrity.
UNILAG Muslim Alumni calls Oloyede a worthy ambassador of Islam
The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni described Oloyede’s stewardship as one of the most outstanding in Nigeria’s public service.
Its President, Dr Mumini Alao, said Oloyede transformed JAMB into one of Nigeria’s most efficient public institutions through bold reforms, innovation and prudent management of public resources.
He added that the former registrar projected the true values of Islam through honesty, humility, justice and service to humanity, making him a worthy ambassador of the Muslim Ummah and an inspiration to young Muslim professionals.
Dr Alao also commended Oloyede’s courage in accepting responsibility during difficult moments, describing his openness and sincerity as rare leadership qualities that strengthened public confidence in the institution.
Charge to the new registrar
While celebrating Oloyede’s remarkable legacy, the organisations urged the new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor.
They stressed that sustaining JAMB’s credibility would require continuity in institutional reforms, innovation, transparency and accountability.
The groups expressed confidence that with the support of stakeholders, Professor Aina would be able to preserve the gains of the last decade while taking Nigeria’s tertiary admission system to greater heights.
They also prayed for Professor Oloyede’s continued good health and greater opportunities to contribute to national development, describing his service at JAMB as a lasting reference point for ethical leadership and institutional transformation in Nigeria.
Sponsored
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
