Education stakeholders across Nigeria have expressed high expectations for the new Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registrar, Professor Segun Aina.

They are urging him to build on the integrity and technological advancements established by his predecessor, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.

While praising Oloyede’s transformative leadership, stakeholders advised the new registrar to maintain zero tolerance for malpractice and courageously uphold merit-based admissions.

They expect the new administration to sustain the high standard of transparency set over the previous decade by Professor Oloyede, who bowed out of office last Thursday, after completing his two-term tenure.

The stakeholders, including parents, students, school administrators, academics, school owners, and policymakers — paid glowing tributes to Oloyede in separate interviews, declaring that he transformed the board.

However, some stakeholders criticised his tenure for turning JAMB into a revenue-generating agency for the Federal Government.

They argued that the board should only charge registration fees sufficient to cover examination costs rather than remit excess billions to the government.

Consequently, they cautioned the new registrar, a renowned computer engineering lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, against increasing registration fees.

Nevertheless, stakeholders widely commended Oloyede’s contributions to JAMB, the education sector, and the nation.

The national president of the National Association of Parent-Teacher Associations of Nigeria (NPTAN), Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, described Oloyede as an honest, intelligent, and God-fearing leader.

According to him, Oloyede positioned JAMB as a model examination institution in Africa.

“I hope and pray that Professor Segun Aina, the new Registrar, is well prepared to use his vast knowledge and experience to add significantly to the good work Professor Oloyede has done,” Danjuma said.

Similarly, the secretary-general of the League of Muslim School Proprietors (LEAMSP), Mr. Fatai Raheem, described Oloyede as a man of integrity who restored sanity to the admissions system.

We used to hear before his tenure that some parents and ‘miracle centres’ bribed JAMB officials to inflate UTME scores or used fraud to gain university admissions,” Raheem stated.

“Those dubious practices failed to thrive under Oloyede. If they existed at all, it was on a minimal scale. Oloyede ensured admission was strictly based on merit. Once a candidate passes the UTME, meets the cut-off points, and fulfils the O’Level requirements, admission is guaranteed. Candidates were no longer substituted due to money or influence,” he added.

Raheem noted that JAMB under Oloyede did not just conduct the UTME, but strictly monitored university admissions. “This made it difficult for vice chancellors or rectors to bypass due process. The new Registrar must work hard to meet this high standard. Oloyede left behind very big shoes to fill,” he added.

The former national president of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr Anselm Izuagie, also eulogised Oloyede, describing his tenure as highly impactful.

Izuagie, who served as a JAMB board member during Oloyede’s first term, noted that the former registrar achieved results by making tough decisions.

“To transform JAMB, he had to step on toes, and it worked for him. This means the new Registrar must not be afraid to step on toes, provided he is doing the right thing for Nigeria rather than for selfish interests,” Izuagie said.

Addressing the new registrar’s background, Izuagie remarked: “We are told that the new registrar is a scholar and an IT guru. However, succeeding at JAMB goes beyond professional callings. Oloyede is an Islamic scholar, not an ICT icon, yet he revolutionised JAMB using technology because he knew what he wanted.

“While isolated cases of exam malpractice persisted, Oloyede demonstrated zero tolerance and fought it throughout his tenure. The successor must now build on this standard and carve a niche for himself.” (Nigerian Tribune)