THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria and Minaret University, Ikirun, have commended “the principled leadership” demonstrated by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, amidst the developments surrounding this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The commendations were contained in separate statements signed the National Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Alatoye and the Vice-Chancellor of Minaret University, Professor Abdullah Abdur-Rahman.
The Jama’at’s statement said, “As an Islamic organisation that has championed educational development in Nigeria since 1916, establishing numerous schools and the first Muslim school in Nigeria, we recognise the enormous challenges of administering standardised testing for over 1.9 million candidates across diverse geographical and technological landscapes.
“The Holy Quran teaches: ‘And consult them in the matter; and when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah’ (3:159). Professor Oloyede has exemplified this Islamic principle through his transparent acknowledgment of technical shortcomings affecting 379,997 candidates, his swift corrective action in ordering a retake examination, his initiation of a comprehensive review process involving independent experts and his emotional honesty in publicly accepting responsibility.”
In its own statement, Minaret University praised what it described as the forthrightness and moral courage demonstrated by the JAMB Registrar in addressing the 2025 UTME challenges, saying these reaffirm why Oloyede remains a revered figure in Nigerian academia.
The institution owned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria and globally said it “proudly stands in solidarity with Professor Oloyede at this moment,” noting that his actions “epitomise the values we strive to instill in our students and leaders: accountability, integrity and a relentless commitment to justice.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, in its statement, added, “Under Professor Oloyede’s leadership since 2016, JAMB has achieved remarkable milestones. The board increased annual remittances to the Federal Government from N52 million to over N29 billion, reduced examination malpractice by 98 per cent through technological innovations, established the National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit Award and introduced the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) to ensure fairness in admissions.”
“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria commends the Federal Government for maintaining Professor Oloyede’s leadership through this transitional period.”
In the same vein, Minaret University said, “During his press briefing on 15th May 2025, Prof. Oloyede did not shy away from responsibility. Instead, in a rare display of humility, he acknowledged the technical setbacks affecting 379,997 candidates, announced immediate corrective measures—including a retake for affected examinees—and initiated a comprehensive review to fortify JAMB’s systems. Such leadership is not only commendable but inspirational.”
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“This incident is not a stain on Prof. Oloyede’s legacy but rather a testament to his unwavering principles. Since assuming office as JAMB Registrar in 2016, he has revolutionised the board through digitisation, transparency and zero tolerance for malpractice, restoring global confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.
“His transformative strides, from his illustrious tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin to his advisory roles in national education reform, have left indelible marks on our sector.
“At Minaret University, we urge the public to recognise this moment for what it truly is: a lesson in courageous leadership. In a nation where accountability is often sidelined, Prof. Oloyede’s actions remind us that true progress begins with honesty and the willingness to rectify errors.
“We pray Almighty Allah (SWT) grants him continued wisdom and strength as he steers JAMB toward even greater heights. May this episode serve as a catalyst for systemic improvement, not unwarranted criticism.”
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