Oloyede Reflects on Tenure as JAMB Registrar

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the outgoing Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has completed a 10-year tenure and announced his return to academia and religious activities. During the handover to his successor, Prof. Aina, Oloyede stated he needs time to “go back and beg God” due to the spiritual demands of public service.

He defended JAMB's controversial three-year ban on candidate Mmesoma Ejikeme, who inflated her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score from 249 to 362, asserting that the board acted to protect examination integrity. Oloyede emphasized that the successes of JAMB during his tenure were due to the commitment of its staff and expressed confidence that Aina would continue the reforms.

He described Mmesoma as “our daughter” and noted that the board's actions were necessary for accountability, expressing regret that some Nigerians initially supported her false narrative. Oloyede looks forward to a quieter life focused on teaching and faith.