President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), bringing in a younger academic and technology expert to lead one of Nigeria’s most important education agencies.
The appointment was announced on Thursday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Professor Aina will take over from Ishaq Oloyede, whose tenure as registrar ends on July 31, 2026.
The Presidency said the appointment is part of efforts to sustain reforms in the country’s examination system and strengthen the use of technology in public institutions.
Professor Aina, a Computer Engineering expert at Obafemi Awolowo University, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s youngest professors in the field. He is expected to become the youngest registrar in the history of JAMB.
The statement described him as a specialist in digital infrastructure, examination systems and institutional reforms, areas considered critical to the operations of JAMB in recent years.
The Presidency also highlighted his academic background, saying he holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent. He also earned a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.
In addition, Aina completed the Senior Management Program at the Lagos Business School.
According to the statement, the incoming registrar has more than 15 years of professional experience working with government institutions on digital reforms, system design and public sector transition projects.
The Presidency said Aina had worked with examination agencies such as the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, where he served as a consultant on information and communication technology systems and examination integrity.
The statement added that his work focused largely on improving digital processes and reducing examination malpractice through better technology and monitoring systems.
“He is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform,” the statement said.
Aina is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed confidence that the new registrar would build on the reforms introduced under Oloyede’s leadership.
The President said Aina’s experience and technical knowledge would help move JAMB to a higher level and improve confidence in the nation’s admission and examination processes.
“President Tinubu expects Professor Aina to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the Board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor,” the statement added.
JAMB remains one of Nigeria’s most influential education agencies because it conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which determines admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.
Every year, millions of candidates sit for the examination, making the agency central to Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Over the years, the board has faced criticism over examination malpractice, technical failures, admission irregularities and delays in processing results. However, under Oloyede’s administration, JAMB gained public attention for introducing tighter monitoring systems and increasing the use of digital technology in its operations.
Since becoming registrar in 2016, Oloyede led several reforms aimed at improving transparency and boosting government revenue generated by the agency.
One of the major changes introduced during his tenure was the full adoption of computer-based testing for the UTME, which helped reduce paper-based malpractice and improved the speed of result processing.
JAMB also introduced biometric verification and stricter accreditation procedures for examination centres across the country.
The agency further gained recognition after declaring large remittances into government accounts, a move that drew praise from the Federal Government and anti-corruption groups.
However, despite the reforms, JAMB still faced occasional technical complaints from candidates and parents, especially during periods of network failure and delays in examinations at some centres.
Education stakeholders are expected to closely watch how Aina handles these challenges when he assumes office later this year.
His appointment also reflects a growing trend of younger professionals being considered for strategic positions in government institutions.
At 40, Aina represents a new generation of academics and public sector experts being trusted with leadership roles in national agencies.
Some stakeholders have also called for continued reforms in the admission system, including improved internet infrastructure at examination centres, faster complaint resolution and stronger coordination between JAMB and tertiary institutions.
For many students and parents, the performance of JAMB remains a major concern because admission into higher institutions is highly competitive in Nigeria.
The transition from Oloyede to Aina is therefore expected to attract attention within the education sector, especially among universities, examination officials and candidates preparing for future UTME examinations.
With the appointment now confirmed, Aina is expected to officially assume office after Oloyede completes his tenure on July 31, 2026.