Oloyede Bows Out of JAMB, Says Technology, Transparency Restored Credibility to Nigeria’s Admission Process
Professor Is-haq Oloyede has officially concluded his 10-year tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), declaring that the sweeping reforms introduced under his leadership have restored transparency, accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.
Speaking during his handover ceremony on Friday July 31, Oloyede reflected on a decade marked by extensive technological innovation and institutional reforms, describing his years at JAMB as a mission to rebuild public trust in one of Nigeria’s most critical education agencies.
The outgoing registrar said the Board underwent a complete transformation through the deployment of modern technology and strict integrity measures that significantly reduced examination malpractice, eliminated opaque admission processes and strengthened the credibility of admissions into tertiary institutions across the country.
According to him, technology became the driving force behind the reforms. During his administration, JAMB strengthened its Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, expanded biometric verification, introduced the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), deployed digital payment platforms, enhanced CCTV surveillance and embraced remote examination management to improve operational efficiency and curb fraud.
Oloyede noted that these initiatives not only improved service delivery but also made manipulation of examination and admission processes increasingly difficult, thereby restoring confidence among candidates, parents and higher institutions.
Beyond technological reforms, he highlighted major improvements in staff welfare, revealing that the Board invested more than ₦8 billion in enhancing employees’ retirement savings. He also introduced a 13th-month salary, increased examination duty allowances from 10 to 20 per cent, provided transportation and meals for staff engaged in critical assignments, and funded medical treatments worth millions of naira.
He further disclosed that retiring members of staff received severance packages ranging from ₦3 million to ₦10 million, stressing that a motivated workforce was essential to building an efficient and transparent institution.
On discipline and accountability, Oloyede said his administration maintained a zero-tolerance stance against misconduct, adding that more than 10 staff members were prosecuted during his tenure over various infractions as part of efforts to uphold integrity within the organisation.
Appointed in 2016, Oloyede inherited a JAMB widely criticised for inefficiency and poor public perception. Under his leadership, the Board became recognised for stronger financial accountability, improved examination administration and a more transparent admission process, with several observers describing the agency as a model for public sector reform.
His departure marks the end of one of the most consequential eras in the history of JAMB. The Federal Government has appointed Professor Segun Aina, a Professor of Computer Engineering with expertise in digital transformation and institutional reforms, as the new Registrar to continue the agency’s modernization drive.
As he leaves office, Oloyede expressed confidence that the institution he is handing over is stronger, more transparent and better positioned to sustain the reforms that have redefined Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system over the past decade.
