President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The appointment was announced on Thursday, May 21, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Professor Aina to Succeed Oloyede
Professor Aina will succeed Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose two-term tenure as JAMB Registrar expires on July 31, 2026. According to Onanuga, Professor Aina will turn 40 in July 2026, making him one of the youngest appointees to lead the examination body.
The appointment comes as part of President Tinubu's efforts to bring fresh perspectives to Nigeria's educational sector. Professor Aina is expected to build on the reforms initiated by his predecessor while introducing innovative approaches to the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Professor Is-haq Oloyede, who has served since 2016, is credited with significant improvements in JAMB's operations, including the introduction of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and enhanced transparency in admissions. His tenure saw a reduction in examination malpractice and increased efficiency in result processing.
Profile of Professor Segun Aina
Professor Segun Aina is an academic with a strong background in educational administration. He holds a doctorate degree and has published extensively in the field of education. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to continue the digital transformation of JAMB and expand access to tertiary education in Nigeria.
Onanuga stated that President Tinubu has full confidence in Professor Aina's ability to lead JAMB effectively. The new registrar is expected to prioritize integrity, innovation, and fairness in the conduct of examinations and admissions processes.
The announcement has generated widespread reactions from stakeholders in the education sector. Many have expressed optimism about the appointment, noting that Professor Aina's relatively young age could bring energy and new ideas to the board. Others have called for continuity of the reforms implemented under Oloyede's leadership.
As Professor Aina prepares to assume office on August 1, 2026, attention will focus on his plans for the forthcoming UTME and policy directions for the board. The appointment underscores the government's commitment to revitalizing Nigeria's education system through capable and visionary leadership.
