The Association of African Universities (AAU) Hails JAMB Registrar for Exemplary Integrity Over UTME Errors

 

The Association of African Universities (AAU) has lauded Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), for his courageous admission of errors during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The association, in a rare and high-profile commendation, described the public acknowledgment as a defining moment of ethical leadership in Africa’s education governance landscape.

Professor Oloyede’s open acceptance of responsibility and his transparency in handling the UTME discrepancies were characterized by the AAU as an “extraordinary display of integrity, humility, and exemplary public service.” This was communicated in a formal letter signed by Professor Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General of the AAU, and addressed directly to the JAMB chief.

Leadership in the public sector is frequently marred by evasion and blame-shifting, yet Oloyede’s decision to confront the situation head-on has earned him admiration well beyond Nigeria’s borders. According to the AAU, his conduct has not only restored the confidence of the public, particularly affected candidates and their families, but has also elevated the moral expectations of public officials across the African continent.

In the letter, Professor Oyewole emphasized that the Registrar’s actions symbolize the highest form of accountability and selfless leadership. His humility, the association noted, sends a strong message that integrity and responsibility are not weaknesses but essential traits of those committed to public service.

“The humility and remorse you expressed publicly, along with your commitment to address the challenges transparently, are commendable,” the letter read. “Indeed, your actions are a ‘breath of fresh air’ in a system where accountability is often elusive.”

Rather than merely pointing out the challenges, the AAU said Professor Oloyede demonstrated rare resolve by engaging with the public constructively, listening to concerns, and taking proactive steps to remedy the issues that emerged during the conduct of the 2025 UTME. This transparent approach, the association noted, has strengthened the credibility of JAMB and served as a model for educational and public institutions continent-wide.

At a time when the credibility of standardized examinations is often questioned in various African countries, JAMB’s willingness to confront its shortcomings offers a blueprint for institutional transformation. The AAU acknowledged this in its letter, suggesting that the Nigerian examination body has set a new benchmark for honesty and public engagement in Africa’s education systems.

“The Association of African Universities is proud of you and celebrates you as a model of excellence, integrity, and transformational leadership in African higher education and governance,” Oyewole wrote, affirming the association’s recognition of Oloyede’s leadership.

Across education and governance circles, the Registrar’s stance has sparked conversations around the role of moral leadership in rebuilding trust in public institutions. It is not every day that a senior government official chooses transparency over deflection, especially in circumstances where errors could potentially tarnish the organization’s reputation.

Stakeholders have noted that Oloyede’s actions resonate with young people, especially students, who are often disillusioned by opaque systems and unaccountable leaders. His decision to face the situation head-on and promise systemic improvements moving forward has not only salvaged JAMB’s credibility but may also inspire a generation of public administrators to lead with conscience.

What the AAU’s endorsement makes clear is that the future of Africa’s educational landscape rests not just on policies and frameworks, but on the strength of individuals willing to lead with integrity—even when it is inconvenient.

As conversations around institutional reforms continue, the story of Professor Is-haq Oloyede will serve as a compelling case study in leadership grounded in honesty and service to the people.