Akonasu Gbedozin
In a nation where corruption and mismanagement often dominate headlines, it's refreshing to encounter a story of transparency, accountability, and exemplary leadership. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), under the visionary leadership of Professor Is-haq Oloyede, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, remitting over N4,8 billion to the Nigerian government in 2024 alone.
According to JAMB's records, the board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 in 2024, out of which N4,824,605,510.69 was remitted to the government. This significant remittance is a clear indication of JAMB's financial sustainability and its ability to manage its resources effectively.
Notably, JAMB achieved all these remarkable feats despite reducing the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms from N5,000 to N3,500 in 2018, a price that has remained unchanged since then, easing the financial burden on students and their families.
This impressive feat is not an isolated incident. Since Professor Oloyede's appointment as Registrar in 2016, the body has undergone a transformative journey, remitting over N60 billion to the national treasury over the years. This remarkable track record attests to the board's financial discipline and its dedication to serving the nation.
Before Oloyede's arrival, JAMB was plagued by allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency that undermined its effectiveness and public trust. In addition, the examination and registration processes were often marred by delays, errors, and logistical issues. This caused frustration among candidates and their parents.
There was also a general opacity in JAMB’s operations, particularly in the admission process, leading to suspicions of favouritism and corruption. Despite its crucial role in the education sector, it was not a significant revenue generator for the government. Its financial contributions to the national treasury were minimal. In all, years of perceived mismanagement had eroded public confidence in JAMB’s ability to conduct fair and credible examinations for Nigerians.
The board's remittances to the national treasury were abysmal, reflecting the inefficient management of its resources. In 2011, for instance, JAMB remitted a paltry N11,522,808 to the government. The following year, 2012, was even worse, with no remittance made to the national treasury. This lack of transparency and accountability was a hallmark of JAMB's operations during this period. In 2013, the board remitted N25,303,274, a slight improvement from the previous year, but still a far cry from what was expected.
In 2014, JAMB remitted N13,926,462 to the government, a decline from the previous year's remittance. The board's financial performance continued to deteriorate, with no remittances made in 2015 and 2016. In a staggering display of inefficiency, JAMB remitted a mere N60 million to the national treasury over its entire 38-year existence before 2016. This sorry state of affairs was a reflection of the organisation's inefficiencies. It was clear that a radical transformation was needed to restore JAMB's credibility and financial discipline.
However, under Professor Oloyede's stewardship, the body has evolved from a financially dependent and inefficient organisation to a self-sufficient government agency, generating over N5 billion annually. This financial independence has been achieved through a combination of innovative reforms, strict financial controls, and a commitment to transparency.
These returns were bolstered by the Board’s expanded internal capacities for its operations achieved through direct execution of its processes and procedures, which instantly resulted in, for instance, a savings of N1.2bn being paid annually to a service provider and a downward review of the N1.2bn being annually paid to another to about N400m with the same old service provider. This is in addition to the recovery of over N1.2bn in both cash and estates in choice areas of Abuja in 2016.
The financial contributions of JAMB under Professor Oloyede's leadership have had far-reaching implications for the Nigerian economy. The billions of naira remitted to the national treasury have been channelled into critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, driving economic growth and development. Furthermore, JAMB's financial sustainability has created a model for other government agencies to follow, demonstrating that with effective management and financial discipline, public institutions can generate significant revenue for the government.
Moreover, Professor Oloyede's transformative leadership at JAMB has also had a profound impact on the organisation's operational efficiency. The introduction of technological innovations has significantly reduced examination malpractice and improved the overall candidate experience. This, in turn, has boosted public confidence in JAMB's ability to conduct fair and credible examinations, further solidifying its position as a leader in Nigeria's educational landscape.
One of the hallmarks of Professor Oloyede's leadership is his emphasis on digitalisation. The Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) has revolutionised the admissions process, making it more transparent and efficient. His commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in his policy of openness, where "whatever would be done, must be on the table."
Professor Is-haq Oloyede's exceptional leadership qualities and penchant for excellence are not new. During his tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 2007 to 2012, his administration was marked by a relentless pursuit of academic excellence, infrastructural development, and financial sustainability.
Under his visionary leadership, the university underwent a transformative journey, rising to become one of the top institutions in Nigeria and Africa. Professor Oloyede's commitment to excellence led to significant improvements in academic standards, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
As Professor Oloyede's remarkable legacy continues to inspire a new generation of leaders, his transformation of JAMB serves as a powerful reminder that effective leadership, transparency, and accountability can drive excellence in even the most challenging contexts. His impact on Nigeria's educational landscape will be felt for generations to come, and his commitment to reform and excellence sets a high standard for other public institutions to follow.
In conclusion, Professor Oloyede's leadership has not only transformed JAMB but has also redefined the role of public institutions in Nigeria. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence has created a model for other institutions to follow, demonstrating that with effective leadership, public institutions can drive economic growth.
Comrade Kabir Matazu , a Public Affairs Analyst wrote from Abuja
In recent weeks, there has been a growing call for protests against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. These protests, characterized by the slogan "Tinubu Must Go," have been gaining traction across various parts of Nigeria. However, a closer examination reveals that the anger and frustration of the populace may be misdirected. Instead of targeting the president, who has shown genuine intentions to improve the nation, the focus should be on holding the National Assembly and certain cabinet members accountable for their roles in the country's ongoing challenges.