Professor Is-haq Oloyede will officially conclude his tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Friday, July 31, 2026, bringing to an end a decade-long administration widely credited with transforming Nigeria's tertiary admissions system.
Oloyede will formally hand over the leadership of the examination body to Professor Segun Aina, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in May 2026 to succeed him.
The handover ceremony is expected to take place at JAMB headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the country's foremost tertiary admissions agency.
Oloyede assumed office in August 2016 after his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari, succeeding Professor Dibu Ojerinde as Registrar of JAMB.
During his ten-year tenure, he introduced sweeping reforms that significantly improved transparency, accountability and efficiency in the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
His administration was widely recognised for strengthening the use of technology in admissions, reducing examination malpractice and improving the credibility of JAMB's processes.
The board also recorded substantial increases in revenue remittances to the Federal Government under his leadership while maintaining stricter financial accountability.
Beyond financial reforms, Oloyede championed improvements in the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), biometric verification and other digital innovations that reshaped university admissions across Nigeria.
His final months in office were marked by the management of the 2026 UTME, during which JAMB implemented corrective measures following technical challenges that affected some candidates during the examination process.
Despite the challenges, education stakeholders have continued to acknowledge Oloyede's role in modernising the examination body and restoring confidence in its operations.
His successor, Professor Segun Aina, is a Professor of Computer Engineering and is expected to continue JAMB's digital transformation agenda while introducing fresh ideas to improve service delivery.
At nearly 40 years old, Aina will become one of the youngest individuals to lead the examination body since its establishment in 1978.
Education analysts believe the leadership transition comes at a critical period as JAMB continues expanding the use of technology to strengthen examination integrity and streamline tertiary admissions nationwide.
The board has indicated that members of the public will be able to follow the official handover ceremony through its digital communication platforms.
Oloyede leaves office after overseeing one of the most transformative periods in JAMB's history, with reforms that have continued to shape Nigeria's higher education admission process.
His departure closes a decade of institutional reforms that many education stakeholders describe as a benchmark for public sector leadership and innovation.
As Professor Aina assumes office, expectations remain high that the board will sustain its commitment to transparency, technological innovation and improved service delivery for millions of admission seekers across Nigeria.
The leadership transition represents both the conclusion of Oloyede's influential tenure and the beginning of a new phase for one of Nigeria's most important education institutions.