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A coalition of media professionals and civil society organisations has honoured the outgoing Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for what it described as an exceptional legacy of integrity, transparency and institutional reforms that transformed Nigeria’s tertiary admissions body into a model of accountable public service.
The recognition came during an appreciation visit to JAMB headquarters in Abuja, where the Media and Civil Society Group for JAMB presented commemorative plaques to Professor Oloyede and the Board’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in acknowledgment of their contributions to strengthening the institution’s credibility and public trust.
The event also coincided with preparations for JAMB’s leadership transition, providing members of the delegation the opportunity to meet the incoming Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, who is expected to assume office at the end of Professor Oloyede’s tenure.
Receiving the delegation, Professor Oloyede expressed gratitude for the honour and urged Nigerians to extend the same support accorded him to the incoming Registrar.
“If you think I have done anything, he will do better,” Oloyede said while introducing his successor. “He is going to do everything possible to take this Board to a better, higher level.”
He stressed that sustained public cooperation would enable JAMB to consolidate on the reforms introduced during his administration and continue delivering efficient services to Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Head of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Dr. Qasim Akinreti, said the visit was aimed at celebrating exemplary public service and promoting a culture of rewarding professionalism and integrity in public institutions.
“We believe we must reward hard work, professionalism and people who are doing good. This is our own way of saying thank you,” he stated.
According to Akinreti, Professor Oloyede’s tenure would remain one of the most remarkable in the history of JAMB, having demonstrated that public institutions could earn and sustain public confidence through accountability, transparency and consistent reforms.
“He raised the bar of integrity, the bar of success and the bar of accountability. His transparency was quite extraordinary,” he said.
In a goodwill message titled “The Professor Who Made a Difference,” Akinreti, speaking for members of the Media and Civil Society Group, described Oloyede’s achievements as “imperishable,” saying historians would remember his administration for restoring integrity and professionalism to the examination body.
“Dear Professor Ishaq Oloyede, we members of the Civil Society and Media Group, who partnered with you during your remarkable tenure at JAMB, wish to place on record that you have raised the bar of public service and have recorded achievements which historians will consider as imperishable.
“We recall a tenure marked by integrity, professionalism, diligence and an unwavering commitment to public good. By all accounts, you left JAMB better than you met it. You set a standard for selfless leadership.
“While thanking you for your selfless service, it is our prayer that your next chapter of life will be blessed with good health, peace of mind and much more impact. Thank you, Prof. We are proud of you,” the message read.
The coalition also extended similar recognition to Dr. Fabian Benjamin, applauding his professionalism and dedication in managing JAMB’s public communications throughout Professor Oloyede’s administration.
Presenting the appreciation message, the group praised Benjamin’s “uncommon loyalty, commitment to duty and the highest level of professionalism,” noting that his efforts significantly enhanced public understanding of the Board’s activities.
The coalition particularly commended the JAMB Weekly Newsletter, describing it as a professionally produced publication that has effectively connected the Board with critical stakeholders while showcasing its commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability.
Members of the delegation also recalled Benjamin’s role in defending the Board’s integrity during major public controversies, particularly the high-profile Mmesoma examination result manipulation case, which they said his prompt and factual communication helped to resolve, preventing what they described as an undeserved national embarrassment for the institution.
“We thank you for these meritorious services for JAMB in particular and our beloved country in general,” the appreciation message stated.
Dr. Akinreti further observed that Benjamin’s openness to the media had strengthened collaboration between journalists, civil society organisations and JAMB, making information about the Board more accessible and credible.
He expressed optimism that the cordial relationship established under Professor Oloyede’s leadership would continue under the incoming Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, whose presence during the appreciation visit symbolised continuity in JAMB’s reform agenda.
The visit concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques to Professor Oloyede and Dr. Benjamin amid commendations from members of the coalition, who described both men as key figures in building a more transparent, accountable and globally respected examination body.
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