Oloyede Bows Out, Lists 20 Landmark Achievements That Transformed JAMB

Outgoing Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has highlighted major reforms and achievements recorded during his decade-long tenure, saying the Board has been transformed into a globally respected institution driven by transparency, technology and accountability.

Speaking at the handover ceremony to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, on Friday in Abuja, Oloyede reflected on what he described as a decade of institutional reforms anchored on welfare, discipline, technology, transparency and strategic partnerships.

The outgoing registrar said the achievements were the result of collective efforts by JAMB staff, government, tertiary institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders.

Twenty landmark achievements of Oloyede’s 10-year stewardship

1. Improved staff welfare

JAMB promoted deserving staff, renovated offices nationwide, committed over ₦8 billion to retirement savings, introduced “13th month” salary bonuses, increased examination duty incentives from 10 to 20 per cent, provided free meals and transport for critical staff, and funded medical treatments, including a ₦12 million intervention for a staff member.

2. Reduced cost of UTME registration

The Board cut the cost of UTME application forms by 30 per cent while sponsoring candidates with special needs and their guides to examination centres, including accommodation, feeding and refund of application fees.

3. Financial support for tertiary institutions

Through the NATAPM Award, JAMB distributed about ₦750 million annually to tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

4. Strengthened discipline

More than 10 staff members were prosecuted over alleged misconduct as part of efforts to entrench accountability and integrity within the Board.

5. Massive remittances to government

The anti-corruption measures and financial discipline enabled JAMB to remit scores of billions of naira in operational surpluses to the Federal Government.

6. Full adoption of Computer-Based Testing

The Board expanded Computer-Based Testing (CBT), making it the standard for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

7. Introduction of CAPS

JAMB introduced the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), making admission into tertiary institutions more transparent and reducing opportunities for manipulation.

8. Deployment of advanced technology

The Board introduced biometric identity verification, CCTV surveillance, digital PINs, electronic payments and the Remote Authoring and Moderation System (RAMS) to strengthen examination integrity.

9. Launch of Bring-Your-Device initiative

Oloyede said JAMB commenced the Bring-Your-Device initiative to further modernise its operations.

10. Open financial reporting

He said JAMB institutionalised transparency by publishing its operational and financial activities through the weekly JAMB Bulletin.

11. Elimination of “under-the-table” admissions

According to Oloyede, CAPS effectively consigned unofficial admissions practices to history by allowing candidates to track admission decisions transparently.

12. Stronger collaboration with security agencies

JAMB deepened collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, DSS, NIA, Police, NSCDC, EFCC and ICPC to secure examination processes.

13. Partnership with over 1,000 CBT centres

The Board worked with 1,010 privately owned CBT centres across the country to improve examination delivery.

14. Establishment of the Nigerian Educational Assessment Academy

JAMB partnered 18 national agencies and institutions to establish the Nigerian Educational Assessment Academy (NEAA) for professional assessment training.

15. Expansion of JAMB infrastructure

The Board established and developed mega Professional Test and Registration Centres (PTCs/PRCs), zonal offices and acquired strategic properties across several states with support from state governments and private partners.

16. Improved national and international reputation

Oloyede said JAMB now enjoys widespread recognition for transparency, accountability, technological innovation and service delivery.

17. Enhanced stakeholder engagement

The Board strengthened partnerships with universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, examination bodies, regulators, civil society organisations and the media.

18. Recognition of over 200 institutional achievements

Oloyede disclosed that education expert Prof. Peter Okebukola documented 200 achievements recorded during his administration.

19. Restoration of confidence in admissions

He said reforms had drastically reduced examination malpractice, improved accountability and restored public confidence in the integrity of UTME scores and the admissions process.

20. Institutional continuity

Oloyede expressed confidence that JAMB’s strong systems, dedicated workforce and culture of integrity would enable his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, to build on the reforms achieved over the past decade.

Oloyede, who assumed office in August 2016, thanked successive presidents, ministers, state governors, staff and stakeholders for their support, saying the progress made by the Board was the product of collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.

He urged Nigerians to support the incoming registrar, expressing confidence that Aina’s ICT expertise and youthful energy would take JAMB to greater heights.

“There is no success without a successor… They should rather support and pray for Prof. Aina’s success. It is time to face the future with renewed vigour,” Oloyede said.