UNILORIN congratulates Oloyede, as ex-VC completes JAMB assignment
By Latifat Raji
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulwahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has congratulated Emeritus Prof. Is’haq Olanrewaju Oloyede on the successful completion of his tour of duty as Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), saying that the University is extremely proud of the achievements of one of its former Vice Chancellors.
Prof. Egbewole made the remarks last Friday (July 31, 2026) at a send-off ceremony in Abuja, where Emeritus Prof. Oloyede handed over the baton of JAMB leadership to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, having completed his two-terms of 10 years (five years each) as the helmsman of the renowned matriculations examination body.
He had earlier served as the 8th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 2007 to 2012 before proceeding to national service, where he earned wider spread recognition for his reforms and commitment to excellence.
Prof. Egbewole commended the immediate past JAMB Registrar on his exemplary commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to public service, describing him as a “total Unilorite” and a symbol of integrity whose remarkable leadership has continued to bring honour to the University of Ilorin.
He noted that Emeritus Prof. Oloyede successfully concluded a decade of transformative service at JAMB before handing over to Prof. Segun Aina.
Prof. Egbewole, alongside other academic leaders, and other dignitaries, praised Emeritus Prof. Oloyede’s courage, transparency, leadership, and enduring legacy of leaving every public institution he served stronger and more impactful. He added that the honouree’s legacy of excellence and integrity would continue to inspire members of the University of Ilorin community and future generations of leaders.
The colourful ceremony featured goodwill messages, presentation of gifts, and heartfelt tributes from colleagues, associates, friends, and admirers in celebration of Emeritus Prof. Oloyede’s years of dedicated service and remarkable contributions to education and national development.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, commended the University of Ilorin for producing Emeritus Prof. Oloyede, describing him as an exceptional leader with a remarkable ability to solve challenges. He also praised his contributions to strengthening the integrity of public examinations through reforms that curbed examination malpractice for both WAEC and NECO.
Guests described the occasion as a fitting celebration of a distinguished career marked by impactful service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
In his valedictory remarks, Eneritus Prof. Oloyede declared that he was leaving behind a stronger, more transparent and globally respected admissions body than the one he inherited in 2016.
Reflecting on what he described as “a decade of landmark reforms driven by technology, transparency, discipline and staff welfare”, the erudite Professor of Arabic and Islamic Jurisprudence urged Nigerians to support the new Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, as, according to him, “the future of JAMB depends on continuity rather than individuals.”
Emeritus Prof. Oloyede pointed out that his administration strengthened the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, expanded biometric verification, introduced the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), improved digital payment systems and enhanced surveillance measures, significantly reducing examination malpractice and restoring confidence in the admissions process.
He also highlighted improvements in staff welfare, revealing that JAMB invested over ₦8 billion in retirement savings, introduced a 13th-month salary, increased duty allowances, provided free transportation and medical support, and rewarded retiring staff with packages ranging from ₦3 million to ₦10 million.
He said that discipline remained a key part of his administration, noting that several staff members were prosecuted for misconduct. He referenced the widely publicised case in which a staff member claimed that a snake swallowed ₦36 million, saying the board never compromised on accountability.
He also noted that JAMB reduced the cost of UTME forms by 30 percent, expanded support for candidates living with disabilities and continued funding tertiary institutions through annual merit awards.
While acknowledging that mistakes were made during his tenure, Emeritus Prof. Oloyede accepted responsibility for any shortcomings and expressed confidence that Prof. Aina’s leadership would take JAMB to even greater heights.
