by Justin Kuman Nyamson
Recently, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), concluded over four decades of remarkable service at the University of Ilorin. Coincidentally, this day also marked his seventieth birthday. In recognition of his numerous accomplishments, the KU8+ universities in Ilorin organized an elaborate celebration, particularly honoring his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.
Though I was not physically present at the event, I followed it closely for many reasons, chief among them being my deep admiration for Prof. Oloyede. During my time under his leadership, I transitioned from a pessimistic view of our nation, Nigeria, to one filled with hope and belief that all is not lost.
The event received widespread media coverage, reflecting Prof. Oloyede’s profound impact on academia, society, and public service. I was astounded by the overwhelming number of editorials and opinions praising him. Never before in the history of public service has an individual garnered such commendation from the fourth estate of the realm. Editorial boards, known for their critical stance, typically reserve their accolades for those who truly deserve them, irrespective of their position or personal connections. It is no surprise, however, given the many admirable qualities of the fifth Registrar of JAMB.
Prof. Oloyede embodies patriotism and dedication, exhibiting zero tolerance for ineptitude. His unwavering faith in God serves as his guiding principle in interactions with staff and decision-making processes. His profound love for Nigeria captivates many of us, as we marvel at his self-discipline, which starkly contrasts with the behavior often exhibited by our typical leaders.
Whether discussing his daily work ethic, transparency and accountability in managing public resources, or his impartiality in decision-making, Prof. Oloyede stands out. He embraces innovation, even in areas that others might shy away from for fear of jeopardizing their positions. He believes that a leader must make decisive choices, regardless of how unpleasant they may be, as long as they ultimately benefit the nation.
As a retired staff member of the Board, I take immense pride in my association with Prof. Is-haq Oloyede. His unwavering commitment to enhancing the Nigerian education system, his support for marginalized groups, including individuals with disabilities, and his innovative approaches are just a few of the many reasons I hold him in such high regard.
Prof. Oloyede will remain my role model, as well as for countless others. It is my fervent hope that the heights he has achieved will be just the beginning and that his light will continue to shine brightly.
Akwa Ibom State office Hosts Roundtable Discussion with CBT Centre Proprietors
In preparation for the 2025 CBT centre accreditation exercise, Mrs. Grace Olima-William, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, convened a roundtable meeting with CBT centre proprietors and the Board’s State Technical Advisor on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at her office in Uyo.
During her address, Mrs. Olima-William welcomed the centre owners and urged them to ensure their facilities are in optimal condition ahead of the upcoming accreditation exercise, which she indicated would commence shortly.
She emphasized, “Everything is set for the 2025 accreditation exercise. Therefore, it is essential for you to update your computer systems and other facilities in preparation.”
The Coordinator also highlighted the importance of transitioning from desktop thin-client systems to laptops in alignment with the Board’s current specifications.
Dr. Uyi Ekong, the State Technical Advisor, reinforced the message, advising proprietors to adhere strictly to their agreements with the Board. He cautioned that any unethical behavior could jeopardize the integrity of the Board’s examinations and adversely affect the future of the candidates.
In response, Mr. Edward Ifudu, the spokesperson for CBT Centre Proprietors in Akwa Ibom State, expressed gratitude to the Coordinator for the engaging session and assured her that they would work diligently to ensure the accreditation process unfolds smoothly.
Stakeholders Celebrate Prof. Is-haq Oloyede on His 70th Birthday
Stakeholders in the education sector, particularly from Akwa Ibom State, have come together to commend Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who recently retired from active service at the University of Ilorin on Thursday, October 10, 2024—a milestone that coincided with his 70th birthday.
In a statement issued by the Registrar of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Prof. Oloyede was lauded as a man of profound insight whose significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s educational system have garnered global recognition. The statement extended heartfelt wishes for many more years of joyful celebrations, sound health, and peace of mind.
Elder Dr. Idongesit Udom, Proprietor of Sure Foundation Polytechnic, expressed his honor in sharing the same birth week with Prof. Oloyede. He described the occasion as a double celebration and offered prayers for God’s continuous protection over the esteemed Registrar.
Other notable congratulatory messages came from Trinity Polytechnic and Heritage Digi-link International Ltd, a CBT centre located in the heart of Uyo, the state capital, all joining in the celebration of this significant milestone in Prof. Oloyede’s life.