Lessons of service and impact as Professor Oloyede retires

After 10 years as Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede leaves the stage after completing the statutory tenure of two 10-year terms, in a blaze of glory, thanks to his immaculate record of public service and, in particular, his far-reaching reforms and notable impact at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Oloyede first entered national accounts as secretary general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs while still an academic. He later served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, where he exemplified the same positive leadership traits that defined his public career. At the university, he revolutionized the institution, significantly improving its academic reputation, administrative efficiency and global visibility. His tenure brought the university international recognition and strengthened its position among higher institutions in Africa.

In 2016, when Oloyede took over as JAMB registrar, the agency was widely perceived to be at one of its lowest points. Through a series of transparent, technology-driven and institutional reforms, he has once again demonstrated exceptional capacity, competence and leadership style. Although the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system had already been introduced, Oloyede consolidated and expanded its implementation, while the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) underwent a notable transformation under his leadership. What was once an organization plagued by allegations of corruption, inefficiency and opaqueness has gradually become a model of trust, credibility, transparency and operational efficiency.

Another key innovation under Oloyede’s leadership was the introduction of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which streamlined the admissions processes of tertiary institutions through a single centralized platform. This reform has substantially reduced admissions irregularities, eliminated many institutional abuses, and minimized exam malpractice through the strategic use of technology. CAPS has also promoted greater transparency by allowing applicants to track their admissions status in real time, while ensuring that institutions strictly adhere to admissions guidelines.

Perhaps most notable is that the Oloyede-led JAMB has achieved something unprecedented in Nigeria’s public service by consistently returning surplus funds to the federal government. His tenure has become synonymous with institutional reforms, transparency, accountability and exam integrity. Equally significant were his personal leadership qualities of openness, prudence and honesty, values ​​deeply rooted in his ethical and professional education, which he put at the service of the country.

Within 10 years, Oloyede transformed JAMB’s financial fortunes, increasing its reserves from a paltry N50 million to over N20 billion. This result stands in stark contrast to the prevailing culture among many government agencies that continually seek additional budgetary allocations instead of improving internal efficiency, reducing waste and blocking losses. Under his leadership, JAMB demonstrated that prudent financial management and accountability could coexist with improved service delivery.

At the same time, UTME registration costs have been rationalised, reducing the financial burden on millions of Nigerian parents and applicants who had previously incurred multiple and often unnecessary burdens. The examination process has become more organized, predictable and credible, restoring public confidence in an institution that many once viewed with skepticism.

Oloyede’s academic credentials are equally impressive. A professor of Islamic studies, he is a member of numerous prestigious professional and academic bodies, including the Islamic Academy in Cambridge, United Kingdom. His educational journey reflects consistent excellence, from winning the Arab League Award for the best final-year certificate student in Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan to earning a first-class degree in Arabic Language and Literature, followed by advanced qualifications in Islamic Studies and Islamic Jurisprudence.

His contributions to education and public service have deservedly attracted widespread recognition. He has received two national honours: Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2014 and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022. Among his many awards are the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award and the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (Education category), both of which highlight his outstanding contributions to educational administration and national development.

Apart from JAMB, Oloyede has served on the boards of several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), particularly in the education sector. He was Chairman of the Committee of Directors of Academic Planning in Nigerian Universities between 2002 and 2004 and was President of the Association of African Universities (AAU) from 2004 to 2011. He was also a board member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) from 2010 to 2012 and of the International Association of Universities (IAU) between 2008 and 2011. 2012. Additionally, he served on the board of the International Network for Higher Education in Africa (INHEA) and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), contributing immensely to educational policy and institutional development both nationally and internationally.

Professor Oloyede may be leaving JAMB, but his imprint of impact, service and lasting legacy will continue to define his extraordinary career. He leaves behind an institution that is stronger, more transparent and more financially sustainable than he met. His tenure represents compelling evidence that integrity, discipline, accountability and visionary leadership can transform public institutions. After a decade of distinguished service, his record will remain a benchmark in Nigerian public administration and an enduring example of humility, excellence and transformational leadership.