Segun Aina Assumes Office As JAMB Registrar, Declares War On Exam Malpractice

• New JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, vows to dismantle examination malpractice networks and prosecute operators of admission fraud, impersonation and cybercrime.

• Board to deploy advanced technology, strengthen collaboration with security agencies and tighten monitoring of CBT centres to protect the integrity of tertiary admissions.

• Aina promises a more transparent, efficient and customer-focused JAMB by simplifying processes, improving communication and enhancing support for candidates and parents.

• Registrar pays tribute to his predecessor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, while urging staff and Nigerian youths to embrace integrity, innovation and excellence in sustaining confidence in the nation’s admission system.

July 31, () — The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, has formally assumed office with a firm commitment to wage an uncompromising war against examination malpractice, warning fraud syndicates and corrupt operators that the board would no longer tolerate practices that undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.

Speaking during his handover ceremony at the JAMB National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, on Friday, Aina declared that his administration would deploy every lawful technological, administrative and investigative tool available to detect, deter and prosecute offenders involved in examination fraud, impersonation, admission racketeering and other criminal activities.

Describing integrity as the foundation of his administration, the new registrar said the board would intensify collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies while leveraging advanced technology and global best practices to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated examination fraud syndicates.

“We shall protect the integrity of JAMB with everything the law permits. To those who organise examination malpractice, recruit impersonators, forge credentials, compromise CBT centres, exploit desperate candidates and parents, engage in cybercrime, extortion, bribery or identity theft, hear me clearly: your business is in the wrong institution”, he declared.

Aina stressed that every fraudulent admission obtained through malpractice deprives deserving candidates of opportunities earned through hard work and merit.

“The future belongs to those who prepare, not those who cheat. Every fraudulent admission secured through malpractice is a place stolen from an honest Nigerian. We shall do everything within the law to ensure that such theft does not succeed”, he said.

Describing JAMB as an institution that goes beyond conducting examinations, Aina said the board serves as a bridge between aspiration and opportunity for millions of young Nigerians seeking higher education.

“Behind every registration number is a young person with a dream. Behind every application is a family making sacrifices. Behind every admission is the hope for a better future. Very few public institutions are entrusted with something so precious, and that trust is our greatest responsibility”, he stated.

He also assured candidates and parents that his administration would reduce the stress and uncertainty often associated with JAMB processes by simplifying procedures, improving communication channels and strengthening customer support.

“We must never become the source of unnecessary trauma for Nigerians. Whether they visit our offices, call our help desk or interact with us online, they should encounter professionalism, courtesy, clarity and genuine care”, he said.

Aina Pledges Strong Institutions, Commends Oloyede’s Legacy

The registrar said one of his key priorities would be to build stronger institutional systems capable of outlasting individual office holders, insisting that enduring public institutions must be driven by accountability, professionalism and sound governance.

“If, at the end of my stewardship, JAMB becomes less dependent on individuals and more dependent on strong systems, less vulnerable to personalities and more resilient because of its culture, then I shall consider my service worthwhile”, he said.

Aina expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the examination body, promising to discharge his responsibilities with integrity, fairness and diligence.

He also thanked the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for driving reforms in the education sector and pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.

Paying tribute to former JAMB registrars, including pioneer registrar Michael Saidu Angulu, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, Prof. Bello Salim, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde and his immediate predecessor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Aina acknowledged their contributions to strengthening the institution.

He particularly praised Oloyede for enhancing JAMB’s credibility and ensuring a seamless transition of leadership.

“Leadership is not measured only by how we assume office but by how we prepare others to succeed. Your willingness to share your experience and place the institution above self reflects the values that have defined your stewardship”, he stated.

Reflecting on his journey, Aina described his appointment as registrar as a “homecoming”, recalling that he first joined JAMB nearly two decades ago as a National Youth Service Corps member.

“I walked through the gates of JAMB as a young corps member almost 20 years ago. I never imagined I would return one day as registrar. That experience taught me that JAMB is a community of dedicated public servants quietly changing the lives of millions of Nigerians”, he said.

Addressing members of staff, he urged them to embrace innovation, professionalism and integrity while contributing ideas that would strengthen the institution.

“The future of JAMB will not be built from the office of the registrar alone. It will be built by thousands of dedicated public servants choosing every day to do ordinary things extraordinarily well”, he added.

Aina also called for stronger collaboration with vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, regulatory agencies and development partners to improve the nation’s tertiary admission process.

In his message to Nigerian youths, the registrar urged candidates to reject examination malpractice and embrace honesty and hard work.

“Never allow anyone to convince you that integrity no longer matters. Never believe that shortcuts are a substitute for preparation. Believe in honest work. Nigeria needs your intelligence, but it needs your integrity even more”, he advised.

He added that every decision under his leadership would be guided by a commitment to making it easier for honest Nigerian children to realise their educational aspirations.