Egbewole hails JUPEB’s game-changing role in Nigerian higher education
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) as a transformative force in Nigeria’s higher education system, noting that the programme is reshaping academic progression and admission processes.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (February 2, 2026), when he received, on a courtesy visit, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of JUPEB, Prof. Ademola Adeleke, and his team ahead of the Board’s Workshop hosted by the University of Ilorin.
The Vice Chancellor stated that JUPEB is “changing the narrative for higher education,” adding that his experience as a member of the JUPEB Board has exposed him to performance reports from participating institutions, which reflect the commitment of the Board to ensuring that results truly represent students’ academic abilities.
While observing that JUPEB has maintained a competitive edge over similar programmes due to the integrity associated with its results, the UNILORIN Vice Chancellor urged stakeholders to sustain the standard while exploring ways to further strengthen the programme.
Prof. Egbewole also mentioned the working synergy between JUPEB and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), noting that both bodies are collaborating to address areas of discrepancies in admission processes.
He appreciated JUPEB for selecting the University of Ilorin as host for the workshop, describing the institution as a critical stakeholder in the programme. He noted that the JUPEB concept originated from Ilorin before being embraced by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), stressing the need for the University to continue supporting the initiative.
Speaking earlier, the Director of JUPEB Foundation School, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Kayode Adam, said JUPEB periodically reviews its syllabus through workshops, noting that this year’s workshop was being hosted by the University of Ilorin.
Prof. Adam applauded the Vice Chancellor for granting the University of Ilorin the hosting rights for the workshop, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the institution’s sustained commitment to the growth and success of the JUPEB programme.
In his remarks, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of JUPEB, Prof. Ademola Adeleke, explained that the JUPEB programme prepares students for direct entry admission into 200 level. He clarified that the JUPEB curriculum covers first and second semester 100 level courses alongside components of 200 level coursework.
Prof. Adeleke added that with the introduction of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in Nigerian universities, JUPEB considered it necessary to align its syllabus with the new framework. He noted that the workshop was convened to review the JUPEB syllabus and revalidate test items in line with CCMAS requirements.
He thanked the Vice Chancellor for approving the hosting of the workshop, especially at a time when some institutions that initially indicated interest could not host the event. He also commended the quality of facilities at the University of Ilorin, particularly the Researchers’ Lodge, which he described as impressive.
