The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, has declared an uncompromising war on JAMB exam malpractice, warning fraudsters and corrupt operators that their activities will no longer be tolerated.
Aina issued the warning on Friday during his formal handover ceremony at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, where he assumed responsibility for the examination and admission body. He pledged to deploy technology, administrative controls and investigative measures to detect, prevent and prosecute those undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.
The new registrar said protecting the credibility of JAMB would be a central priority of his administration. According to him, every admission obtained through examination fraud deprives another Nigerian of a legitimate opportunity.
“We shall protect the integrity of JAMB with everything the law permits,” Aina declared.
He specifically warned those involved in impersonation, forged credentials, compromised Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, cybercrime, bribery, extortion and identity theft.
“To those who organise examination malpractice, recruit impersonators, forge credentials, compromise CBT centres, exploit desperate candidates and parents, engage in cybercrime, extortion, bribery or identity theft, hear me clearly: your business is in the wrong institution,” he said. Aina also promised stronger cooperation between JAMB and security agencies to stay ahead of examination fraud networks.
Beyond tackling JAMB exam malpractice, Aina said he would focus on making the board more transparent, responsive and technology-driven. He promised to simplify procedures, improve communication and strengthen customer support for candidates and parents. According to him, Nigerians interacting with JAMB should leave with greater clarity and less anxiety.
“We must never become the source of unnecessary trauma for Nigerians,” he said, stressing that professionalism and courtesy must define the board’s services.
The registrar also said his administration would prioritise strong institutional systems rather than excessive dependence on individuals. He said the success of his tenure would be measured partly by whether JAMB became more resilient and less vulnerable to personalities.
Aina acknowledged the contributions of previous JAMB registrars, including Michael Saidu Angulu, Mohammed Abubakar, Bello Salim, Dibu Ojerinde and his immediate predecessor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede. He particularly praised Oloyede for strengthening JAMB’s credibility and facilitating a smooth leadership transition.
“Leadership is not measured only by how we assume office but by how we prepare others to succeed,” Aina told his predecessor.
The new registrar also revealed that his appointment represented a personal homecoming, having previously served at JAMB as a National Youth Service Corps member almost two decades ago. He recalled that he never imagined returning to the institution as its registrar.
Aina called on JAMB staff to embrace innovation, integrity and professionalism, saying the institution’s future could not depend solely on the registrar. He also sought stronger collaboration with vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, regulatory bodies, development partners and private-sector organisations.
According to him, improving Nigeria’s education system requires cooperation across institutions. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing him and also commended Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his commitment to educational reforms.
Aina ended his address with a message urging young Nigerians to reject shortcuts and remain committed to honest preparation. “Never allow anyone to convince you that integrity no longer matters. Never believe that shortcuts are a substitute for preparation,” he said.
He pledged that decisions under his leadership would be assessed against one fundamental consideration: whether they make it easier or harder for an honest Nigerian child to achieve their educational ambitions. The registrar said JAMB would pursue policies that protect legitimate candidates while making the admission process more transparent, efficient and trustworthy.
