President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid tribute to the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, as he turns 70 today.
Tinubu described Oloyede as an astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, saying Nigeria needs more people like him.
The President maintained that Nigeria owed the professor gratitude for JAMB’s contribution to the national treasury.
As a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Tinubu said Oloyede’s contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration had significantly impacted the academic community.
“His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
“Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career,” the President said in a statement.
“Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education,” Tinubu said, adding that “Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.”
Tinubu said Oloyede pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations at JAMB that made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
He stated that in his eight years of stewardship at the board, so far, Oloyede had demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service.
“I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments. The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
“On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion,” the statement added.
In January, Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed that Oloyede is the first Registrar of JAMB to have made over N50bn for the Federal Government within a year.
