Oloyede Faces Critics With Poise as Support Grows Amid Exam Glitch Fallout
By Abdullahi Yusuf
In the wake of the recent glitches experienced during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has found himself at the centre of both criticism and commendation. While a few voices have seized the moment to question his leadership, many within and beyond the education sector have risen in his defence, asserting that his integrity remains unblemished.
Among the criticisms were remarks by political activist Omoyele Sowore, who dismissed Oloyede’s emotional apology over the exam disruptions as “crocodile tears.” Similar sentiments were echoed by groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo and elements within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), some of whom have long held ideological differences with the former University of Ilorin Vice-Chancellor. However, several observers have questioned the weight of such voices in the broader context of Nigeria’s educational advancement.
“For a Muslim, particularly one in public service, the true test of character during trying times is not measured by applause but by the nature of opposition,” wrote Dr. Mutiu Agboke, a commentator from Abeokuta. “What is the worth of these criticisms when placed side-by-side with Professor Oloyede’s immense contributions to national development?”
Oloyede, widely regarded as a reformer within the Nigerian examination system, has garnered respect for overhauling JAMB’s operations, introducing transparency, and significantly increasing the Board’s revenue remittances to the government. His tenure has been marked by a no-nonsense posture toward corruption and inefficiency — traits that have earned him both acclaim and adversaries.
“ASUU may not see anything good in Oloyede,” Agboke continued, referencing the fallout from Oloyede’s decisive handling of the “UNILORIN 49” saga during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor. “But their opposition is nothing new. It’s a reflection of long-standing discomfort with reform.”
Supporters argue that while no system is infallible, the Registrar’s prompt admission of the hitches and his commitment to giving affected candidates another opportunity reflects accountability, not weakness. “Your tears were not staged,” Agboke added, addressing Oloyede directly. “They came from the weight of unexpected disappointment. As you rightly said: ‘Man proposes, God disposes.’”
There is also speculation around future prospects for Professor Oloyede after his tenure ends in 2026. Though not one to publicly eye political or institutional elevation, supporters have begun conversations about roles he could take on post-JAMB. According to Agboke, the Director-General of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Professor Lateef Sanni, has begun informal advocacy around the subject — though it remains unclear whether Oloyede himself would entertain such notions.
For now, observers insist the focus should remain on resolving the immediate concerns of UTME candidates and ensuring smooth operations going forward. But the recent developments have, once again, placed Oloyede’s legacy and leadership under public scrutiny — and for many, his standing remains firm.
“Let us move on,” Agboke concluded. “Nothing will happen to you. JAMB is an institution, and you will exit with your honour intact.”
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