Professor Segun Aina, a professor of Computer Engineering and systems expert, has officially assumed office as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), taking over from Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose 10-year tenure came to an end on July 31, 2026.
The official handover took place on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the JAMB headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the examination body. Aina's appointment had earlier been announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 21, 2026, ahead of Oloyede's departure.
At the time of his appointment, Aina was 39 years old, making him the youngest person to serve as JAMB Registrar. He turned 40 in July. The Presidency described him as a distinguished academic and systems expert with experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure and public-sector institutional reform.
Aina's academic background is largely centred on engineering and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. He is also a professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
His emergence comes after Oloyede completed two terms at the helm of JAMB. Oloyede was first appointed Registrar on August 9, 2016, by former President Muhammadu Buhari and was reappointed for a second term in August 2021. His tenure formally ended on July 31, 2026.
Oloyede leaves behind a JAMB that underwent significant technological and administrative changes during his time in office. Among the reforms associated with his administration were the expansion of computer-based testing, improvements to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), biometric and identity verification, digital payments and other technology-driven measures aimed at strengthening examination and admission processes.
Speaking during the handover on July 31, Oloyede reflected on his time in office and said his administration was guided by five major principles: “welfare, discipline, technology, transparency and networking.” He also stressed that the achievements recorded under his leadership were not his alone but the result of collective efforts by JAMB staff and other stakeholders.
Oloyede also expressed confidence in his successor. As he handed over the institution, he said he had “no doubt that the new Registrar will deliver on his mandate.” He is expected to return to academic life following the completion of his tenure.
For Aina, taking over JAMB means inheriting an institution that directly affects millions of young Nigerians seeking admission into tertiary institutions every year. In his assumption speech, he acknowledged the responsibility attached to the position and promised to protect the credibility of the examination and admission system.
Aina said: “The office I assume today does not belong to me. It belongs to every young Nigerian whose future passes through JAMB.” He added that behind every registration number is a young person with a dream and behind every application is a family making sacrifices.
The new Registrar further said he wants JAMB to become less dependent on individuals and more dependent on strong systems. “If, at the end of my stewardship, JAMB becomes less dependent on individuals and more dependent on strong systems, then I shall consider my service worthwhile,” he said.
Aina also promised to strengthen the Board's integrity, improve customer service, reduce stress and uncertainty for candidates and parents, and deepen the use of technology to make its operations more efficient and transparent. He warned against examination malpractice, impersonation, credential forgery and other activities capable of undermining the credibility of JAMB.
His assumption of office therefore comes with both opportunity and responsibility. While Oloyede's decade-long tenure is now part of JAMB's history, Aina begins his own chapter with expectations from students, parents, tertiary institutions and the wider education sector.
For the millions of Nigerian students whose journey into higher education begins with JAMB, the real test of the new administration will not simply be how different it looks, but how effectively it can build on existing reforms, strengthen public confidence and make the examination and admission process easier, fairer and more reliable.
© 2026 Aliu Azeema |
TalkAfricang.com
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