Professor Oloyede exits JAMB after delivering ₦50B surplus, fee cuts and exam integrity reforms
Professor Ishaq Oloyede stepped down as JAMB Registrar on July 31 after transforming Nigeria's university admissions system. From 2016-2022, he channeled ₦50 billion revenue surplus to government—vs predecessors' ₦52 million in 40 years—while reducing UTME fees from ₦5,000 to ₦3,500.
His reforms replaced paper exams with secure Computer Based Testing, using CCTV and biometrics to nab 123 cheats in 2019's UTME. He activated the Examination Malpractices Act, left an ₦8 billion staff pension fund, and created CAPS which now helps over 4,000 yearly NYSC-bound graduates regularize admissions.
Although 2025 UTME technical issues caused 78% of 1.9 million candidates to score below 200 (worst in Lagos/Owerri), Oloyede's apology and forensic audit-led retest for 379,997 candidates demonstrated accountability. His tenure proves Nigerian institutions can transform with integrity-focused leadership.
Which specific JAMB innovation—fee reduction, anti-cheating tech, or welfare fund—should other Nigerian agencies prioritize replicating?