The Hijrah Organisation of Nigeria, National Headquarters, has publicly reaffirmed its support for Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), acknowledging his bold reforms aimed at curbing examination malpractice and restoring credibility to Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
The group, in statement released today,signed by its National Chairman, Professor Yusuf Olanrewaju Badmus, however, also recognized that some errors have been made during the last UTME along the way as admityed by the registrar but stressed that these should not detract from the overall positive impact of the reforms.
In the statement, the organisation highlighted the challenges of managing a national examination system that annually processes millions of candidates.
“While it is true that no reform process is flawless, and Professor Oloyede himself has admitted to some operational lapses, it is important to appreciate the courage and dedication involved in addressing deep-rooted systemic issues that have long compromised the integrity of JAMB,” the statement said.
Oloyede’s administration has introduced several tough measures just he did as the Vice Chancellor of the most sorted University, University of Ilorin, including biometric verification, strict adherence to exam schedules, and vigorous prosecution of malpractice offenders. These actions have been praised for significantly reducing cheating and creating a level playing field for candidates nationwide.
However, some groups, including student organizations and advocacy bodies, have voiced strong objections.
They argue that the reforms have inadvertently led to exclusion and hardship for some candidates, particularly those from marginalized communities who face difficulties meeting new requirements or accessing examination centers.
Critics have called for a more compassionate and consultative approach that considers the socio-economic realities of all Nigerians.
The Hijrah Organisation urged these opponents to temper their criticisms and avoid disruptive actions that could undermine the reforms.
“We call on all stakeholders to channel their concerns through appropriate and peaceful dialogue platforms rather than resort to antagonism or misinformation. Constructive engagement is key to improving the system further,” the group emphasized.
The organisation also appealed to the Federal Government and education authorities to provide adequate resources and support to JAMB to ensure the smooth implementation of reforms and address any legitimate grievances promptly.
The Hijrah Organisation reaffirmed its belief that Oloyede’s reforms are necessary for the future of Nigeria’s education system.
It expressed hope that all parties will unite in fostering an admissions process that is fair, transparent, and accessible to all qualified candidates.
