Prof. Segun Aina has resumed duty as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) at the Board’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
During a handover ceremony, outgoing Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede described his 10-year tenure as one built on discipline, technology, transparency, staff welfare and strategic partnerships.
In his valedictory speech titled “History Made, Future Beckons,” he reviewed his administration’s achievements noting that; JAMB expanded the use of biometrics, digital verification, CCTV surveillance, electronic payment platforms and remote monitoring systems to strengthen examination security and improve service delivery.
He said discipline remained central to the Board’s operations, stressing that it contributed to the remittance of billions of naira in operational surpluses to the Federal Government.
“At the heart of our operational blueprint is technology. We owe many of our far-reaching reforms to innovative technologies. The expansion of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), advanced biometric verification and CCTV monitoring have helped make our operations seamless and founded on integrity,” he said.
Oloyede acknowledged that technology was not infallible, citing recent operational challenges, but maintained that continuous innovation and internal vigilance were essential.
He said transparency had been institutionalised through the publication of the Board’s operational and financial activities, while reforms had significantly reduced arbitrary admissions and strengthened public confidence in the admission process.
On staff welfare, Oloyede said his administration improved working conditions, rehabilitated and constructed office facilities nationwide and enhanced retirement benefits.
He disclosed that JAMB committed more than ₦8 billion to strengthen employees’ retirement savings and introduced a 13th-month salary, increased examination-duty incentives from 10 percent to 20 perccent and provided daily meals for staff.
According to him, retired workers received benefits ranging from ₦3 million to ₦10 million, while medical interventions and performance-based rewards were introduced to boost staff morale.
He, however, stressed that improved welfare did not diminish the Board’s commitment to discipline, revealing that more than 10 members of staff were prosecuted over various cases of misconduct.
Collaborations
Oloyede attributed many of JAMB’s successes to collaboration with security agencies, tertiary institutions, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), communications regulators, civil society organisations, the media and over 1,000 accredited CBT centres.
He said the Board had modernised its operations, reduced examination malpractice, strengthened accountability and restored confidence in Nigeria’s admission system.
“We made mistakes because we are human, and we corrected them. Whatever was done right was a collective effort, while I accept responsibility for whatever fell short,” he said.
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Expressing confidence in his successor, Oloyede urged stakeholders to support the new Registrar, stressing that enduring institutions are built on strong systems and shared values rather than individuals.
Call to Service
In his inaugural address, Prof. Segun Aina described his appointment as “a solemn call to serve” and pledged to lead the Board with integrity, fairness and diligence.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the appointment and expressed appreciation to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.
Aina, who served in JAMB as a National Youth Service Corps member nearly two decades ago, said he was returning with a deeper appreciation of the institution’s critical role in shaping the future of millions of young Nigerians.
“The office I assume today does not belong to me. It belongs to every young Nigerian whose future passes through JAMB,” he said.
He pledged to build an institution driven by strong systems rather than personalities, saying success would be measured by JAMB’s resilience beyond individual leadership.
Making the protection of examination integrity his foremost priority, Aina warned those involved in examination malpractice, including operators of compromised CBT centres, that JAMB would continue to deploy lawful technological, administrative and investigative measures to detect, deter and prosecute offenders.
He also promised to improve customer service by reducing stress and anxiety for candidates and parents, while encouraging staff to embrace innovation and challenge outdated processes.
Aina called on vice-chancellors, provosts, regulatory agencies, parents and other stakeholders to work closely with the Board in sustaining the credibility of Nigeria’s admissions system.
