Oloyede’s JAMB and the Rest of Us: A Testament to Leadership and Accountability
Education Leaders Rally Behind JAMB Registrar Amid UTME Controversy
In a powerful show of solidarity, prominent education leaders have thrown their weight behind Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), following technical glitches in the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission and Chair of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JOEG), praised Oloyede’s handling of the situation: “We commend the Registrar’s integrity and accountability in addressing the matter. He demonstrated candour, courage and transparency in responding to public concerns.”
Widespread Support for Transparent Leadership
The support extended beyond Okebukola, with Dr. Adedotun Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology, noting: “Professor Oloyede’s heartfelt apology and assumption of full responsibility demonstrates commendable leadership. His prompt corrective measures underscore his dedication to educational credibility.”
The UTME Controversy Explained
The nationwide examination faced unexpected challenges when results revealed mass underperformance, with about 75% of the 1,955,069 candidates scoring below 200. The situation turned tragic when 19-year-old Faith Timileyin Opesusi reportedly took her life after receiving a score of 146.
On May 14, an emotional Oloyede revealed technical glitches affecting 157 centers (65 in Lagos and 92 in South-East states), impacting 379,997 candidates. The board promptly arranged retakes for affected students.
A Lesson in Accountability
Oloyede’s tearful public apology marked a rare display of accountability in Nigerian public service. “It takes men with steel minds to take full responsibility this way,” the article notes, contrasting his approach with officials who typically refuse to acknowledge errors.
Oloyede’s Transformative Leadership
Since assuming office in 2016, Oloyede has revolutionized JAMB operations through:
- Implementation of modern examination technologies
- Financial self-sufficiency for the board
- Consistent contributions to government revenue
Moving Forward
While commending Oloyede’s handling of the crisis, the article calls for preventive measures: “JAMB must do everything possible to avoid a repeat of this incident.” It concludes by affirming Oloyede’s reputation as “a man of unquestionably high integrity.”
Credit: Omolale, a seasoned journalist, wrote from Lagos. Original article published in The Guardian.