Will Aina Fill the Void Left by Oloyede's Departure?

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede is stepping down as the Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, after serving for 10 years, marking the end of his two five-year tenures.

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His departure has prompted President Bola Tinubu to appoint Prof. Segun Aina as his successor, ensuring a seamless transition in the organization's leadership.

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Notably, Oloyede, 71, and Aina, 39, are both distinguished professors who have made significant contributions to academics, with Oloyede leaving a lasting legacy at JAMB.

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During his tenure, Oloyede transformed JAMB into a self-sustaining body that consistently generates revenue for the government, a feat that has garnered widespread recognition.

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Oloyede's innovative approaches have modernized the Board, minimizing examination malpractice and silencing admission racketeers, while also introducing rewards for tertiary institutions that comply with regulatory requirements.

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A former Editor of The Punch, Mr. Bola Bolawole, has noted that Oloyede's exit was inevitable, given the tenure limits imposed by the constitution, which allows for a maximum of 10 years in office.

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Bolawole has cautioned that finding a suitable replacement for Oloyede will be crucial, as his successor will need to fill the "extra-large shoes" he is leaving behind, emphasizing the importance of selecting a capable candidate.

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Prof. Segun Aina, the newly appointed JAMB boss, is a professor of Computer Engineering and one of the youngest individuals to attain this position, boasting strong research credentials and academic leadership skills.

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Aina's family background is also rooted in education, with his father, Prof. Olu Aina, being a renowned expert in Vocational and Technical Education, which could serve as a valuable source of experience for the new JAMB boss.

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To build on Oloyede's legacy, Aina must prioritize transparency and accountability, focusing on areas such as exam malpractice, admission racketeering, and media friendliness to maintain the organization's integrity.

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Given his background in computer engineering, Aina is expected to leverage his expertise to combat exam malpractice and strengthen the system's security, addressing the lingering issue of rogue sites and cheating.

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Aina must also enforce strict compliance with the Central Admission Processing System, CAPS, to prevent universities from bypassing the system and to restore the integrity of the admissions process.

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Furthermore, Aina should maintain a media-friendly approach, akin to Oloyede's, to foster transparency and openness, recognizing the importance of engaging with the media and the public.