By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the outgoing registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, on Friday, said strong institutions built on integrity, technology and transparency remained the key to sustaining public confidence in the tertiary admissions system.

Mr Oloyede stated this during the handover ceremony to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, in Abuja, where he reflected on his 10-year stewardship and expressed confidence in the board’s future.

He said the board’s achievements were anchored on five cardinal principles: staff welfare, discipline, technology, transparency and networking, which guided reforms that strengthened the credibility of JAMB’s operations.

He added that staff welfare received unprecedented attention during his tenure through improved working conditions, rehabilitation and construction of office facilities across the country, and enhanced retirement benefits.

He said, “When I stood at the threshold of this national assignment 10 years ago, I understood the depth of the responsibility placed on me.

“I knew the privilege and burden of stewarding a process that opens the doors to millions of Nigerians.

“One thing I remembered clearly was that I was just like a general on a military expedition and to fight, I needed officers and troops.”

Recounting his achievements, Mr Oloyede disclosed that the board committed more than N8 billion to strengthen employees’ retirement savings and financial security.

He added that the board under his leadership also introduced a 13th-month salary, increased examination-duty incentives from 10 per cent to 20 per cent and provided daily meals for staff.

The outgoing registrar said that retired workers received benefits ranging from N3 million to N10 million, while medical interventions and performance-based rewards were also introduced to boost staff morale.

Mr Oloyede, however, stressed that improved welfare did not diminish the board’s commitment to discipline.

He said more than 10 members of staff faced prosecution over various allegations of misconduct, noting that accountability remained non-negotiable in preserving the institution’s integrity.

Highlighting JAMB’s technological reforms, Mr Oloyede said the board expanded the use of biometrics, digital verification, CCTV surveillance, electronic payment platforms and remote monitoring systems to improve examination security and service delivery.

“I share the belief that we must all suffer for either the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment. This is why discipline is incontestable as a cardinal principle of JAMB operations, and that accounts for the well-known remittances of scores of billions in operational surpluses to the government treasury.

“At the heart of our operational blueprint is technology, and we owe many of our far-reaching reforms to innovative technologies.

“Scaling up of computer-based test (CBT), improvement of digital architecture, creating a central admissions processing system (CAPS), advanced biometric and identity verification, CCTV monitoring, and others are some of the steps taken to make our operations seamless on rock-solid integrity,” he said.

He acknowledged that technology was not infallible, recalling recent operational challenges, but maintained that continuous innovation and internal vigilance remained essential.

He also said that transparency was institutionalised by publishing the board’s operational and financial activities and making the admission process more open and accountable.

According to him, the reforms have significantly reduced arbitrary admissions and strengthened public trust in the board.

Mr Oloyede also attributed some of JAMB’s achievements to collaboration with security agencies, tertiary institutions, the National Identity Management Commission, communications regulators, civil society organisations, the media and more than 1,000 accredited CBT centres.

He said the board had modernised its operations, reduced examination malpractice, strengthened accountability and restored confidence in Nigeria’s admission process.

“We made mistakes because we are human, and we corrected them. Whatever was done right was a collective effort, while I accept responsibility for whatever fell short,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the board’s institutional culture, dedicated workforce and robust systems would enable his successor to consolidate on the reforms.

He urged stakeholders to support the new registrar, saying the success of any institution depended not on an individual but on the strength of its systems and values.

In his inaugural address, the new Registrar, Mr Aina, pledged to preserve JAMB’s integrity while building a stronger institution driven by professionalism and accountability.

The atmosphere was filled with pride and joy in Gusau as Command Science Secondary School (Girls) celebrated its graduation, speech, and prize-giving day on Thursday, 30 July 2026, graduating 25 exceptional students out of its 75 total enrollment.

Delivering her address, the Commandant of the institution, Major Fatima Jimoh, highlighted the school’s steady growth since its establishment by the Nigerian Army in May 2017. She noted that the institution has successfully produced 180 graduates to date, maintaining commendable academic performances in both West African Senior School Certificate Examination and National Examinations Council examinations.

Major Jimoh also highlighted recent milestones achieved since assuming duty in May 2026, including the restoration of regular solar-powered water supplies, administrative block renovations, revived school band performances, and heightened institutional discipline.

While celebrating these achievements, the Commandant drew attention to critical challenges facing the school, such as the absence of a standard science laboratory, a dilapidated dining hall, leaking roofs, and inadequate staff accommodation, while appealing to the government, the Nigerian Army, and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent intervention.

She passionately urged parents and guardians to leverage the secure and disciplined learning environment provided by the academy to champion girl-child education by enrolling more daughters.

Representing the Special Guest of Honour, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris, Lieutenant Colonel Gezawa Musa assured the school management and students of maximum operational and developmental support.

He charged the graduating Class of 2026 to remain focused on upcoming future challenges, uphold utmost integrity, and serve as worthy ambassadors of the prestigious institution.

The memorable event featured a colorful parade by the graduating students, lively cultural displays, intellectual debates, the launch of the school magazine, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding cadets.

Coordinator, Comrade Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, has lodged a formal complaint with Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, requesting the urgent establishment of a military barracks in Northern Kano, particularly in communities along the Kano-Katsina border.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator and issued to the press.

Comrade Zaitawa said the request follows publicized security threats in the area, including threats attributed to a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Maha, who was reported to have threatened to infiltrate parts of Kano State.

“Establishing a forward military base in this corridor will strengthen the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies to deter criminal activity, improve response time, and protect farming communities and travelers,” Comrade Zaitawa said.

The group also expressed concern about the political environment ahead of the 2027 elections. In the statement, the group said it has observed activities that it believes could undermine peaceful elections in Kano if not addressed. It called on the Presidency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Assembly, and security agencies to ensure that all political actors and security personnel operate within the law and remain neutral.

The Arewa Youths Merger Group further noted an incident involving the arrest of its spokesperson, Mustapha Dan Muhammad, by security operatives. The group called for due process and respect for the rights of citizens and civic groups.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and democracy. It said it is engaged in voter education, campaigns against thuggery and drug abuse, and youth empowerment through skills training in Kano.

“We support the federal and Kano State governments in their efforts to secure the state. We urge all stakeholders to ensure a level playing field and a peaceful electoral process in 2027,” the statement added.