Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
As he prepares to leave office after a decade at the helm of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede has described his tenure as a period marked by difficult decisions, public scrutiny, institutional reforms, and deep personal reflection.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony to his successor, Professor Segun Aina, Oloyede said he intends to return to academia and devote more time to his spiritual life, declaring that he “needs to go back and beg God” after spending ten demanding years in public service.
The outgoing registrar’s remarks came as he formally concluded a transformative administration widely credited with modernising Nigeria’s university admissions process, strengthening transparency in examinations, and significantly increasing the agency’s revenue remittances to the Federal Government.
Reflecting on a Decade of Service
Oloyede acknowledged that leading one of Nigeria’s most scrutinised public institutions came with enormous responsibilities and sacrifices.
According to him, public service often requires officials to make difficult decisions that may not please everyone but are necessary to protect institutional integrity.
He noted that while his administration received praise for reforms, it also faced criticism over examination policies, technical challenges, and disciplinary actions involving candidates and examination centres.
Rather than dwell on controversies, Oloyede said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the nation and expressed confidence that history would judge the administration fairly.
He described the position as both intellectually demanding and spiritually challenging, explaining that the experience reinforced the importance of humility and accountability before God.
“I Need to Go Back and Beg God”
One of the most memorable moments of his farewell address was his emotional reflection on life after public office.
Oloyede said that after ten years of making decisions affecting millions of Nigerian students and educational institutions, he now wishes to dedicate himself to worship, scholarship, and seeking divine mercy.
His statement that he “needs to go back and beg God” was interpreted by many attendees as a reflection of the enormous moral burden associated with public leadership rather than an admission of wrongdoing.
He stressed that every public servant remains accountable to both society and God for decisions taken while in office.
The outgoing registrar urged leaders across all sectors to approach public office with integrity, transparency, and the fear of God.
Defending JAMB’s Record
Oloyede maintained that JAMB under his leadership consistently pursued reforms aimed at improving credibility and restoring public confidence.
He said the board strengthened its use of technology to reduce examination malpractice, improve candidate verification, and enhance the efficiency of admissions.
According to him, several policies introduced during the last decade helped simplify admission processes while ensuring that institutions complied with established guidelines.
He also defended the board’s strict stance against examination fraud, arguing that preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system required firm action against malpractice.
The former registrar insisted that every major reform undertaken by the board was designed to protect honest candidates and improve fairness in the admission process.
Financial Transparency and Institutional Reforms
One of the defining features of Oloyede’s administration was JAMB’s financial performance.
Before his appointment, the board was frequently criticised over limited revenue remittances.
Under his leadership, however, JAMB consistently reported substantial remittances to the Federal Government while maintaining nationwide examination operations.
The administration also expanded the use of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), strengthened accreditation standards for CBT centres, introduced biometric verification, and improved digital service delivery for candidates.
Education stakeholders have frequently cited these reforms as milestones in modernising Nigeria’s admissions system.
Challenges Along the Way
Despite these achievements, Oloyede’s tenure was not without controversy.
JAMB occasionally faced criticism over technical glitches during examinations, complaints about result processing, and concerns raised by candidates regarding examination experiences.
The board also dealt with legal disputes, allegations involving examination centres, and public debates over admission policies.
Oloyede maintained throughout his tenure that no reform process would be entirely free of challenges, insisting that the institution remained committed to continuous improvement.
He argued that many of the criticisms helped strengthen the board by identifying areas requiring further attention.
Return to Academia
Having completed his tenure, Oloyede said he looks forward to returning to academic life.
Before becoming JAMB Registrar in 2016, he built an accomplished career in higher education and previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.
He said teaching, mentoring students, conducting research, and contributing to educational development remain lifelong passions.
According to him, academia offers an opportunity to continue serving society outside government administration.
He also expressed hope that future educational leaders would continue prioritising excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Leadership Transition
The handover ceremony also marked the official assumption of office by Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of JAMB.
Oloyede expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain institutional reforms and continue improving the board’s operations.
He urged JAMB staff to extend the same cooperation they offered him to the incoming registrar.
Observers say the leadership transition represents another important chapter in the evolution of one of Nigeria’s most influential educational institutions.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Education administrators, university officials, and policy experts have acknowledged Oloyede’s contribution to strengthening examination administration in Nigeria.
Many praised the board’s expanded deployment of technology, improved financial accountability, and efforts to reduce examination malpractice.
Others noted that challenges affecting candidates during some examination cycles highlighted the need for continuous investment in infrastructure, staff training, and technological resilience.
Analysts believe the incoming administration will inherit an institution that has undergone significant reforms but must continue adapting to the growing demands of Nigeria’s education sector.
Looking Ahead
As Oloyede exits public office, his legacy is likely to be assessed through both his reforms and the debates they generated.
Supporters argue that he transformed JAMB into one of Nigeria’s most transparent government agencies, while critics maintain that some policies require further refinement to better serve candidates.
His farewell message, however, underscored a broader lesson about leadership: that public office is temporary, accountability is permanent, and service ultimately extends beyond institutional achievements.
Whether remembered for technological innovation, financial reforms, or his emphasis on integrity, Professor Ishaq Oloyede leaves JAMB after ten years with a legacy that will continue shaping Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system for years to come.
Sources: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Channels Television, The Punch, Vanguard, Premium Times.
