Nigeria: Ishaq Oloyede's Remarkable Leadership At JAMB

In August 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Professor Ishaq Oloyede as the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Oloyede's tenure was marked by remarkable leadership, transformative reforms, and a focus on accountability and integrity. Upon his appointment, he implemented various initiatives aimed at improving JAMB's performance and reputation.

One of Oloyede's earliest accomplishments was the remittance of an unprecedented ₦7.86 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) during the 2017 examination period. This was a significant increase from the mere ₦3 million previously sent annually. Over the following six years, JAMB continued to generate substantial revenue surpluses, totaling ₦50 billion by 2022—compared to the ₦52 million delivered by his predecessors in 40 years.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Oloyede introduced several innovations. In 2013, computer-based testing (CBT) was initially experimented with, and he subsequently consolidated its use, effectively replacing the traditional paper-and-pencil examination system.

This change eliminated inefficiencies and reduced opportunities for fraudulent activities. CCTV cameras were installed within and outside examination halls to deter cheating, leading to the prosecution of 123 cheat cases in the 2019 UTME. Furthermore, JAMB delisted 76 CBT centers in Bauchi State, Lagos, and Sokoto, which had the highest number of cheating incidents.

Oloyede also activated the Examination Malpractices Act of 1999, ensuring that those caught cheating faced prosecution. The Act stipulates a four-year prison sentence for candidates, invigilators, schools, principals, and employees of examination bodies involved in such activities. The introduction of biometric fingerprint verification further tightened the noose around malpractice centers.

Despite challenges such as the prevalence of WhatsApp cheating platforms and misconduct among university vice-chancellors, Oloyede left a lasting legacy. He contributed ₦8 billion to JAMB's pension fund for workers just before leaving office, providing much-needed relief for retirees.