Fight exam malpractice, education stakeholders urge new JAMB registrar
By Henry Oladele
An educationist, Mr Sunday Fowowe, has urged the newly-appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, to prioritise elimination of examination malpractice.
Fowowe, the National President of the Association of Nursery and Primary Education Instructors in Nigeria, gave the advice in an interview with Newsmen.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appointed Aina the new Registrar of JAMB.
Aina, who will turn 40 in July, will succeed Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, whose second tenure expires on July 31.
According to Fowowe, examination malpractice can be eliminated through advanced monitoring systems and Artificial Intelligence-supported proctoring tools.
He said Aina’s appointment reflected the country’s growing emphasis on youthful leadership, innovation and technology-driven administration in public institutions.
According to him, the appointment of the new registrar presents an opportunity for fresh ideas and reforms capable of improving JAMB’s operations and strengthening confidence in the nation’s tertiary admission process.
He described the appointment as pivotal in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Fowowe hoped that Aina’s tenure would bring transformative changes to JAMB’s operations, particularly in digital examination management, transparency and candidates’ welfare.
“Appointment of Aina signals a growing national emphasis on innovation and the integration of modern technology into public institutions.
“His leadership will present an opportunity to further strengthen the integrity and efficiency of the tertiary admission process in Nigeria,” he said.
Fowowe noted that JAMB had continued to play a crucial role in determining access to tertiary education, with over 1.5 million candidates sitting for its examinations annually.
He commended Oloyede for reforms that enhanced the board’s credibility and operational efficiency.
According to him, Oloyede’s administration consolidated the computer-based testing system, intensified measures against examination malpractice, and strengthened institutional accountability.
He added that JAMB reportedly remitted more than N50 billion to the Federal Government between 2017 and 2024, reflecting improved financial transparency under Prof. Oloyede.
Fowowe, however, said that expectations from the incoming registrar would be enormous, adding that competence, integrity and visionary leadership would be critical in sustaining the board’s achievements.
He urged Aina to focus on expanding equitable access to tertiary education, especially for students from disadvantaged, rural and conflict-affected communities.
Fowowe also called for stronger digital infrastructure to ensure seamless registration, examination and result management processes.
He advocated prompt and transparent resolution of admission complaints to improve candidates’ confidence in the system.
According to him, sustaining public trust and enhancing the credibility of the national admission process should remain top priorities for the board.
Some parents have also applauded Aina’s appointment, describing it as a step in the right direction.
They congratulated the new JAMB registrar and expressed confidence in his ability to perform well.
Mrs Oluwakemi Oke, also a teacher, expressed optimism that Aina’s leadership would improve transparency, efficiency and credibility in the nation’s tertiary admission process.
She commended Tinubu for appointing a young academic to head JAMB, saying that the decision reflected confidence in youthful leadership.
“We are hopeful that Prof. Aina will introduce modern ideas that will improve the conduct of JAMB examinations and reduce challenges candidates face during registration and admission processes,” she said.
Another parent, Mrs Shola Johnson, said the new registrar should sustain reforms introduced by Oloyede.
Mr Segun Olatunbosun urged the new registrar to give attention to the welfare of candidates, especially those from rural and disadvantaged communities.
He said that many students still encountered difficulties accessing registration centres and reliable internet services during admission processes.
“We expect policies that will make the process easier for students across the country, irrespective of their backgrounds or locations,” he said.
NAN reports that Aina is a Professor of Computer Engineering. (NAN)
HOB/CCN/IGO
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