New JAMB Registrar Declares War on Exam Malpractice, Vows Tough Crackdown on Fraud Syndicates

…Prof. Aina warns corrupt operators: “Your business is in the wrong institution”

…Pledges tech-driven reforms, transparency, and customer-focused service

The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, has launched an uncompromising war against examination malpractice, issuing a stern warning to fraud syndicates and corrupt operators that their “business is in the wrong institution.”

Prof. Aina made the declaration on Friday during his formal handover ceremony at the JAMB National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, where he unveiled his vision to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.

He pledged to deploy all lawful technological, administrative, and investigative tools to detect, deter, and prosecute offenders, while also committing to building a more transparent, customer-focused, and technology-driven examination body.

“Integrity Is Non-Negotiable”

Declaring integrity as the cornerstone of his leadership, Aina described fraudulent admissions as a grave injustice to the nation.

“We shall protect the integrity of JAMB with everything the law permits. To those who organise examination malpractice, recruit impersonators, forge credentials, compromise CBT centres, exploit desperate candidates and parents, engage in cybercrime, extortion, bribery or identity theft, hear me clearly: your business is in the wrong institution.”

He emphasized that the board would strengthen collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies while investing in advanced technologies and global best practices to stay ahead of fraudsters.

“The future belongs to those who prepare, not those who cheat. Every fraudulent admission secured through malpractice is a place stolen from an honest Nigerian. We shall do everything within the law to ensure that such theft does not succeed.”

A Bridge Between Aspiration and Opportunity

Prof. Aina, who succeeded Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, described JAMB as far more than an examination body, noting that it serves as “the bridge between aspiration and opportunity” for millions of young Nigerians.

“Behind every registration number is a young person with a dream. Behind every application is a family making sacrifices. Behind every admission is the hope for a better future. Very few public institutions are entrusted with something so precious, and that trust is our greatest responsibility.”

He assured candidates and parents that his administration would reduce the stress and uncertainty often associated with JAMB processes by simplifying procedures, improving communication, and strengthening customer support.

According to him, every engagement with the board must leave Nigerians “more informed, more respected and less anxious.”

“We must never become the source of unnecessary trauma for Nigerians. Whether they visit our offices, call our help desk or interact with us online, they should encounter professionalism, courtesy, clarity and genuine care.”

Building Systems Over Personalities

Aina also emphasized the need to strengthen institutional systems over individual influence, stressing that sustainable public institutions are built on strong values and accountability.

“If, at the end of my stewardship, JAMB becomes less dependent on individuals and more dependent on strong systems, less vulnerable to personalities and more resilient because of its culture, then I shall consider my service worthwhile.”

Gratitude to President Tinubu

The new registrar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment, pledging to serve with integrity and diligence.

“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence he has reposed in me by entrusting me with the leadership of one of Nigeria’s most consequential public institutions. I assure Mr President and every Nigerian that I shall discharge this responsibility with integrity, fairness, diligence and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”

He also thanked the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for his reform efforts and pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.

Honouring Predecessors, Embracing a Homecoming

Paying tribute to former JAMB registrars—including pioneer registrar Michael Saidu Angulu, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, Prof. Bello Salim, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, and his immediate predecessor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede—Aina credited them with building the foundation of the institution.

He particularly commended Oloyede for strengthening the board’s credibility and ensuring a smooth transition.

“Leadership is not measured only by how we assume office but by how we prepare others to succeed. Your willingness to share your experience and place the institution above self reflects the values that have defined your stewardship.”

Reflecting on his journey, Aina described his appointment as registrar as a “homecoming,” recalling his time at the board as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member nearly two decades ago.

“I walked through the gates of JAMB as a young corps member almost 20 years ago. I never imagined I would return one day as registrar. That experience taught me that JAMB is a community of dedicated public servants quietly changing the lives of millions of Nigerians.”

A Call to Staff, Stakeholders, and Nigerian Youths

Addressing JAMB staff, he urged them to embrace innovation, professionalism, and integrity while contributing ideas to improve the institution.

“The future of JAMB will not be built from the office of the registrar alone. It will be built by thousands of dedicated public servants choosing every day to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

He also called for collaboration with stakeholders across the education sector, including vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, regulatory agencies, and development partners.

To Nigerian youths, Aina delivered a powerful message of hope and responsibility:

“Never allow anyone to convince you that integrity no longer matters. Never believe that shortcuts are a substitute for preparation. Believe in honest work. Nigeria needs your intelligence, but it needs your integrity even more.”

The Guiding Principle

Prof. Aina concluded with a simple yet profound principle that will guide every decision under his leadership:

“Will what I do today make it easier or harder for an honest Nigerian child to realise their dreams? If the answer is harder, then we must not do it. If the answer is easier, then we must do it with excellence.”

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