Professor Is-haq Oloyede officially ended his transformative ten-year tenure at the helm of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Friday. In a brief handover ceremony, he officially welcomed the new JAMB registrar, Professor Segun Aina, marking a major turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary entrance examination body.
The administrative change follows an official announcement from the Presidency regarding the appointment, which signals a continued drive toward digital infrastructure expansion and overall national examination reform.
Background to the Is-haq Oloyede Transition
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the appointment through an official statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The decision marks the completion of the decade-long Is-haq Oloyede transition, during which the outgoing registrar spearheaded massive structural changes, curbed malpractice, and modernised the board’s operational machinery.
To build on this foundation, the administration chose an academic with extensive experience in technology and administrative management. According to the Presidency, Aina is a renowned Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. His career focuses heavily on digital infrastructure, national examination systems, and institutional reforms across various tiers of government.
Profile of Professor Segun Aina
The academic credentials of the incoming leadership demonstrate a deep grounding in modern computing and security systems. The Presidency noted that Aina holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent. He subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security, alongside a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. He also completed the Senior Management Programme at the prestigious Lagos Business School.
Beyond his academic qualifications, the incoming leader brings over 15 years of active field experience. He has consistently advised federal and state governments on digital transformation, institutional reforms, and complex systems design.
Advancing JAMB Examination Integrity Through Technology
A core priority for the new leadership will be sustaining and improving JAMB examination integrity. Over the years, Aina has built significant expertise in this specific area. He has previously served as a technical consultant to major assessment bodies, including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board. His work focused specifically on ICT systems design, system security, and data protection during large-scale testing.
The Presidency further described him as one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering. By stepping into this position, he officially becomes the youngest registrar in the board’s entire history.
Looking Forward Under the New Leadership
The Federal Government expects a smooth transition and rapid implementation of updated technology policies across all operational centres. President Tinubu expressed full confidence that Aina would consolidate on the reforms and achievements recorded under Oloyede’s administration while continuing to strengthen the operations of the examination body.
With the official handover complete, stakeholders across the education sector now look forward to seeing how the agency adapts to emerging digital challenges and continues its mission to conduct fair, transparent, and efficient entrance examinations nationwide.
