Oloyede: Emotion, Encomium and Eulogies follow his Exit (II)
From an emotional farewell to nationwide tributes, the concluding part of this special report examines how Professor Is-haq Oloyede’s decade at JAMB reshaped public perceptions of leadership and accountability.
By Abdulfattah Abdussalam
Perhaps, in consonance with human nature, which always wants perpetual order and status quo, especially if the situation is orderly and systemically functional, many Nigerians had forgotten that his tenure has a term frame. Most stakeholders had become used to his perfectionist style of administration and had forgotten that he can only be the Registrar for 10 years. However, that was jolted when, during the annual 2026 Policy meeting on admissions into Tertiary institutions in Nigeria, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Federal Ministry of Education, dropped a bombshell at the occasion on the pending departure of Oloyede as the substantive Registrar.
She said: the Policy meeting on admissions will be the final one to be overseen by Oloyede. “Your 10-year tenure had fundamentally changed the institutions. You have done a lot of good things. Ten years is a long time, but you are not tired. We will just give you a resting period to relax a bit, and then we will just call you back to service”
The room went silent. Many were downcast, and emotions brewed to a boiling point. They wondered, what news in the midst of glorious moments? The reality dawned, and by the time she concluded her comment and the news filtered out, many Nigerians across tribes, religions, and social divides went emotional. Many would have wished his tenure were perpetual. Different categories of stakeholders were initially disturbed, but ever since the emotion has turned into encomia, eulogy, and prayers for him.
Corporate Organizations, Educational Institutions, Governors, Ministers, Captains of Industry, Technocrats, Religious groups, Professional associations, committee of vice chancellors, traditional rulers, students of institutions, Media practitioners, Committee of Provosts, Rectors, Registrars, Market women and Men, Legislatures and the Judiciary, Iconic educationists, Parents, Management and staff of JAMB, government officials, numerous individuals and stakeholders, have continued to shower encomiums on him and eulogies his footprints. Imams and Pastors have cause to praise him while on pulpits. Islamic singers composed lyrics praising his efforts and wish him Allah’s acceptance.
“It is with profound admiration and deep appreciation that I pay tribute to Professor Ishaq Oloyede as he concludes his distinguished tenure as Registrar of JAMB. Your tenure is nothing short of transformational,” Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Hon. Minister of Education
“Under your visionary leadership, JAMB emerged as one of the most credible and technologically driven examination bodies in Africa,” Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education.
“Oloyede is a transformational leader, whose character and courage redefined public administration,” Prof. Chinwe Obaji, former Minister of Education.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole SAN, describes Oloyede, “as an uncommon Nigerian whose footprints at both the University and JAMB would remain indelible”.
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, in glowing tribute, commended his outstanding record of service, transparency and far-reaching reforms. It describes Professor Oloyede ‘as an exemplary public servant whose leadership transformed JAMB into one of Nigeria’s most credible and accountable government institutions”.
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) describes Professor Oloyede’s tenure as “one marked by uncommon integrity, visionary leadership, transparency, accountability and an unwavering commitment to national development”.
These infinitesimal tributes for him cited above confirm that his popularity is unparalleled in the history of public servants administration in recent times. His stewardship at JAMB speaks volumes, so also is the volume of the positive appraisals and accolades his tenure is attracting, worldwide. He has endlessly exemplified the virtues of integrity, humility, excellence, and selfless service. The Du’a offered across Nigeria are in droves as he begins a new chapter after public service, expressing optimism that his legacy of integrity, accountability and excellence would continue to inspire future leaders and serve as a model for effective governance in Nigeria.
His reforms were anchored on five guiding pillars: staff welfare, discipline, technology, transparency and networking, which together helped restore public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process. He officially stepped down as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Friday, July 31, 2026, and handed over the leadership of the examination body to Professor Segun Aina, thus marking the end of the most consequential era in JAMB’S history and Nigeria’s Admissions’ process.
May Almighty Allah grant him good health, Long Life, and count these great achievements as part of his good deeds from him on the Day of Judgment. Aamin.
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