JAMB REGISTRAR NEARS END OF TENURE WITH INDICATIONS AT POLICY MEETING

By— Pen Blog Media.

Date: Thursday, 14th May, 2026 | 26th Dhul Qa’dah, 1447 AH.

THE Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has indicated that the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions may be the final one to be chaired by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede.

The minister made the remark on Monday during the national admissions policy meeting held in Abuja, where key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector gathered to deliberate on admission guidelines for tertiary institutions.

According to Ahmad, Oloyede’s decade-long leadership at JAMB has significantly transformed the examination body and strengthened public confidence in its operations.

“This is the last policy meeting you will be holding,” the minister said while addressing the registrar at the event. She further commended his contributions to the education sector, noting that his years in office brought major reforms and improvements to the board.

Prof. Oloyede was appointed JAMB Registrar in August 2016. Since assuming office, he has been widely credited with introducing reforms in examination administration, financial accountability, and institutional transparency.

Under his leadership, JAMB recorded increased remittances to the Federal Government and expanded several operational and infrastructural projects through internally generated revenue. The board also became known for stricter monitoring of examination malpractice and the digitisation of many of its services.

Before joining JAMB, Oloyede served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin between 2007 and 2012. He also held leadership roles within associations of Nigerian university vice-chancellors.

An accomplished scholar in Islamic Studies, Oloyede became a professor in 1995 and has participated in numerous academic conferences within and outside Nigeria.

Over the years, he has received several national honours and public service awards in recognition of his contributions to education and administration.

While the minister’s statement has fuelled speculation about Oloyede’s possible exit from office, neither JAMB nor the Federal Government has officially announced a resignation, retirement, or replacement at the time of filing this report.

The development comes as Oloyede completes nearly 10 years as head of the examination body, making him one of the longest-serving registrars in JAMB’s history.