JAMB Established Based on Committee of Vice Chancellors’ Recommendations – Oloyede

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, recently spoke at a lecture in honor of a retiring academic. During the lecture, he shed light on the establishment, evolution, and important role of JAMB in the Nigerian tertiary education system.

Prof. Oloyede explored the history and governance of JAMB, emphasizing its transformative impact on admission processes in Nigeria. He stated that JAMB’s establishment stemmed from concerns about admission inconsistencies. The Committee of Vice Chancellors (CVC) advocated for a centralized system to address this issue.

The Federal Government recognized the need for a standardized approach to admissions and established JAMB as a central examination body in 1977. According to Prof. Oloyede, JAMB’s governance structure has always reflected a close relationship with academia. Leading academics hold leadership roles to ensure alignment with institutional interests.

JAMB’s mandate has grown beyond conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to overseeing admissions processes in collaboration with universities and other institutions. Prof. Oloyede emphasized JAMB’s role in promoting fairness and transparency by evaluating candidates based on merit and established criteria.

He highlighted the positive relationship between JAMB and regulatory bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This collaboration is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the admission process.

Prof. Oloyede concluded by stating that JAMB will continue to adapt as Nigeria’s tertiary education system evolves. The Board remains committed to the principles of service, integrity, accountability, and ensuring equitable access to education.