The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, has pledged to make integrity the defining principle of his administration, promising to safeguard the credibility of the nation’s tertiary admission process and intensify efforts against examination malpractice and admission fraud.
Speaking on Friday during his formal handover ceremony at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, Aina said the Board would remain committed to fairness, transparency and accountability, stressing that public confidence in the institution depends on the integrity of its operations.
He said JAMB occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s education sector because it determines access to higher education for millions of candidates, adding that protecting the sanctity of examinations is essential to ensuring equal opportunities for deserving students.
The new registrar noted that while technology and innovation have transformed the Board’s operations over the years, they can only deliver meaningful results when built on trust and ethical leadership.
According to him, his administration would build on the gains already achieved by the Board while introducing reforms aimed at strengthening service delivery and maintaining public confidence.
Safeguarding Examination Integrity
Aina described integrity as the foundation of every credible institution, insisting that no level of technological advancement or operational efficiency can substitute for honesty and transparency. He warned that any compromise in the examination process would undermine the confidence Nigerians have placed in JAMB over the years.
“Trust is not built by speeches; it is built by decisions, by the choices we make when no one is watching, by the standards we refuse to compromise and by the value that every Nigerian can place in the fairness of this institution,” he said.
The registrar pledged that his administration would deploy every lawful means to protect the integrity of the Board, maintaining that preserving the credibility of examinations is not only about enforcing regulations but also about protecting the future of hardworking candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
He warned operators of examination malpractice syndicates, impersonators, certificate forgers, cybercriminals and corrupt officials that JAMB would strengthen its surveillance, intelligence gathering and institutional oversight to expose and prosecute anyone attempting to compromise the admission process.
According to Aina, every admission secured through dishonest means denies a qualified candidate the opportunity to access higher education on merit. He added that the Board would continue to work closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to combat emerging forms of examination fraud while adopting global best practices to safeguard its systems against abuse.
Improving Service Delivery
Beyond tackling examination malpractice, Aina said his administration would focus on making JAMB more responsive to the needs of candidates, parents and educational institutions through improved service delivery.
He pledged to simplify operational procedures, strengthen communication channels and deploy technology to improve efficiency across the Board’s services, with the aim of reducing the anxiety often associated with examination registration, admissions and other processes.
According to him, candidates and parents should experience confidence rather than frustration whenever they engage with the Board, adding that timely information, professionalism and accountability would remain central to his administration.
The registrar said his vision is to build a transparent, accessible and citizen-focused institution where users can easily access services and receive prompt support whenever challenges arise.
He noted that improving service delivery goes beyond technology, stressing that the Board would continue to review its processes to ensure that efficiency, fairness and transparency remain at the heart of its operations.
Advancing JAMB’s Legacy of Integrity
Aina described JAMB as one of Nigeria’s most important public institutions, saying the Board has continued to shape the future of millions of young Nigerians by providing access to higher education. He pledged to build on its achievements while preparing it to meet emerging challenges in the education sector.
The registrar thanked President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the Board and promised to justify the confidence through diligent service and accountability. He also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, pledging to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to advance reforms in the sector.
He paid tribute to former JAMB registrars, including pioneer Registrar Michael Saidu Angulu, Mohammed Abubakar, Bello Salim, Dibu Ojerinde and his immediate predecessor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede. He particularly commended Oloyede for strengthening the Board through reforms that enhanced transparency and public confidence.
Aina said the smooth transition reflected JAMB’s culture of professionalism and institutional continuity, adding that effective leadership is measured by the ability to prepare successors for sustained progress.
In a personal reflection, he described his appointment as a full-circle moment, recalling that he served at JAMB as a National Youth Service Corps member nearly two decades ago. He said returning to lead the institution was both humbling and inspiring, pledging to uphold its legacy of integrity, fairness and excellence.
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