How we convinced Oloyede to accept second term as JAMB Registrar — Shekarau

Speaking as chairman at a civic reception organised by the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in honour of Oloyede in Abuja, the former governor said it took the concerted efforts of well-meaning Nigerians to persuade the former JAMB boss to return, having earlier made it clear that he was not interested in a second term at the board.

Shekarau said the then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, was particularly interested in having Oloyede serve another term at the board after completing his first term, but the former JAMB registrar insisted that he did not want to be reappointed for another term in office.

According to Shekarau, “I remember when he (Oloyede) finished his first term in September of four years ago, he made it very clear that he would not go for a second term. The minister then (Adamu Adamu) was running from pillar to post to ensure that he accepts.

“When people give money to buy positions, here was Oloyede pleading to be let to go. He said he had had enough. I personally engaged him and pleaded with him.

“He narrated all the difficulties, travelling from one end of the country to another to supervise JAMB examinations. He said he had had enough of the troubles.

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“I said, you must still have many more troubles. The reward of hard work is no work. Alhamdulillah, he accepted to work for a second term and by Allah’s grace, he saw him through very, very successful.”

While describing Oloyede as an inspiration to the younger generation, Shekarau declared that the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin would be called upon if appointments came his way, saying, “We are still not done with you. We will get you to perform.”

While acknowledging that after serving for many years, the former JAMB registrar might have become tired, Shekarau asserted that Oloyede’s presence in any organisation inspires good governance.

Speaking in his welcome address, the MSSN National Amir, Engineer Mustapha Tajudeen, described the former JAMB registrar as “an exceptional Nigerian, distinguished scholar, accomplished administrator, institution builder and a public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, innovation and accountability”.

According to Tajudeen, Oloyede’s career demonstrated that the values of integrity, innovation and accountability in public service, as well as competence strengthened by character, were not merely ideals to be preached but could be translated into institutional transformation and measurable public value.

While recalling the achievements he recorded as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and as JAMB registrar, Tajudeen said Oloyede had shown that integrity was not an impediment to achievement, submitting that, “It is an asset. Accountability is not a burden; it is the foundation of sustainable success.

“His record reminds us that institutions can be reformed, technology can be deployed for public good, and leadership can restore confidence in public institutions.”