Mixed Reactions Trail Segun Aina's Appointment as New JAMB Registrar
Mixed reactions have emerged from Nigerians following President Bola Tinubu's appointment of Segun Aina as the new registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Aina succeeds Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose second and final tenure ends on July 31, 2026. The announcement was made on Thursday, sparking diverse opinions across the country.
Profile of the New Registrar
Professor Aina, who will turn 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems engineering expert. He brings extensive experience in examination administration, digital infrastructure, and public sector reform. The presidency noted that his background has shaped his long-standing contributions to examination reform and institutional systems optimisation. President Tinubu expressed confidence that Aina would deploy his expertise to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and further reposition JAMB for greater efficiency and innovation.
Positive Reactions
Many Nigerians have congratulated Aina and expressed optimism about his tenure. An X user with the handle @opeyemi_bodunde stated that "education remains a pathway to greatness. Take the bold step of pursuing a degree, a master's degree, or a PhD, regardless of the stage you are in, and strive for excellence in your field." @Latunjibello tweeted, "Congratulations to him, and I am pretty sure he will excel." @Mr_Galadima urged Aina to "consider making JAMB scores valid for two years (maybe 250 and above). Finally, also cut down fees where applicable." @wxyzpqrst expressed high expectations from Aina's qualifications and experience, adding "Please don't disappoint. Godspeed." @hussainnasir251 wished Aina success and prayed he "takes it higher from where his predecessor got us. Congratulations Prof."
Critical Voices
However, some Nigerians have raised concerns. @afobaba24 disagreed with the appointment, urging the president to prioritise security instead. He said, "People are being kidnapped, yet Tinubu is focused on appointing someone to a position that doesn't even require much attention. Is the role of JAMB registrar really so critical that it demands this level of priority? It's frustrating." @Adeniyi17827561 hoped "the irregularities experienced in the last 2 years will no longer repeat itself," urging Aina to be an incorruptible individual.
Allegations of Nepotism
Some users criticised the appointment on ethnic grounds. @GoodluckDc301 believes the current administration "holds the highest level of nepotism this country has ever seen!!! It has never been this bad!!! All key appointments in the country are all from his tribe!" @iOccupyNigeria tweeted, "Only Yoruba people dey eligible and available. Well done," echoing @oloksonDeminent reaction of "another Yoruba man replacing a Yoruba who has occupied the position since 2016, yet the same government keeps preaching national inclusion. I am not even doubting Segun Aina's competence, but there are many equally qualified Nigerians like him from other tribes and regions too." @Aminu2010A slammed the presidency for not appointing someone with more experience, saying "With just 15 years of experience, where are those that with over thirty or more years of experience in service? He was just handpicked and appointed, not following due process."
