Abuja, Nigeria – March 18, 2025 – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been praised for its commitment to transparency, integrity, and excellence in managing Nigeria’s higher education admission process.
In an exclusive interview with JAMBulletin, Professor Andrew Haruna, a highly respected academic and Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), commended JAMB for its resilience and transformative leadership under Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
Speaking on various education-related topics, Prof. Haruna highlighted the agency’s ability to overcome challenges, ensure fair admissions, and uphold meritocracy in Nigerian higher education.
JAMB’s Role in Maintaining Admission Integrity
Prof. Haruna emphasized that JAMB has successfully positioned itself as a transparent and credible institution, ensuring that only qualified students gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
Reflecting on his personal involvement with JAMB, he recalled his time as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Gashua, where he served as the Chief External Examiner for JAMB in Yobe State.
“I have seen firsthand how JAMB works to eliminate fraudulent admissions and ensure only the best students are admitted. The Registrar views every challenge as an opportunity and surrounds himself with **capable individuals who are empowered to succeed,” he stated.
He also noted that JAMB prioritizes the welfare and security of its staff, creating an efficient and corruption-free working environment.
Professor Haruna’s Journey from Humble Beginnings to Academic Excellence
Sharing his inspiring journey from a poor rural background to academic prominence, Prof. Haruna described how honesty and integrity shaped his life.
As a young man, he once worked as a shoeshiner (cobbler) in Maiduguri, struggling to survive. One day, a supervisor at the Maiduguri General Post Office overpaid him for his services, and he immediately returned the extra money.
This single act of honesty changed his life forever.
“She was bewildered and asked why I returned such a small amount. I told her my mother taught me that it is better to beg than to steal. She was so moved by my response that she invited me back the next day,” he recalled.
To his surprise, she helped him secure a job at the Post Office—a stepping stone that eventually led him to pursue higher education and become a professor.
“Imagine if I had kept those extra coins. I may never have gotten that opportunity. Honesty truly pays.”
His story serves as a lesson for Nigerian youth on the importance of integrity, hard work, and perseverance in achieving success.
Why JAMB Enforces the 16-Year Age Limit for University Admission
Addressing the controversial 16-year age limit for university admission, Prof. Haruna defended the policy, stating that it was based on research and expert recommendations.
“The government and educationists must have carefully considered this limit. It is meant to prepare students adequately before they take on the responsibilities of higher education,” he explained.
According to him, allowing students to enter universities at too young an age may affect their academic performance and social development.
Oloyede: A Goal-Getter and Visionary Leader
Prof. Haruna showered praises on JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, describing him as a goal-getter with exceptional leadership skills.
He highlighted Oloyede’s:
- Deep knowledge of higher education challenges and solutions.
- Emotional intelligence and cultural awareness.
- Commitment to public service and transparency.
“Oloyede’s leadership has transformed JAMB into a model of efficiency and integrity. His dedication to merit-based admissions is something Nigeria should be proud of,” he stated.
When asked to rate Oloyede’s performance on a scale of 1 to 10, he confidently gave him a 9, underscoring his faith in the Registrar’s ability to improve Nigeria’s education system further.
Final Thoughts: JAMB’s Unwavering Commitment to Fair Admissions
As Nigeria continues to battle issues of admission fraud and certificate forgery, JAMB remains at the forefront of maintaining the credibility of the education system.
Prof. Haruna’s story of resilience, his call for transparency in education, and his endorsement of JAMB’s leadership serve as a strong reminder that with the right values, institutions can function effectively and uphold meritocracy.
JAMB’s transformation under Professor Oloyede has set a standard of integrity that other agencies should follow—one that ensures Nigeria’s future leaders are selected based on competence, not corruption.