By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reflected on the recent incident that disrupted the board’s examination process, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to its mission despite challenges.
Speaking at a meeting with external supervisors, Prof. Oloyede acknowledged the risks and pressures involved in managing national examinations, especially when unforeseen incidents occur. He noted that although the misconduct affected some candidates, it was important not to dwell on the incident but to swiftly take corrective action.
Oloyede revealed that in the wake of the incident, he contemplated resignation but was urged to stay on, as abandoning the process would have been unfair to the majority of candidates. He defended the board’s decision to quickly reschedule the affected examinations instead of waiting until July, responding to critics who questioned the urgency.
According to him, over 95% of candidates had already concluded their exams, making it imperative to address the situation without delay. The Registrar further disclosed that JAMB will conduct a mop-up examination for candidates who missed their exams, in line with the board’s usual practice. This, he said, is to ensure no candidate is denied the opportunity to participate in the admission process.
Prof. Oloyede also addressed his emotional breakdown at a previous press conference, clarifying that it was not a sign of weakness but a reflection of the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He expressed gratitude to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for their support during the rescheduled exams, describing their intervention as crucial to restoring order.
