Religious Leaders Applaud JAMB Registrar Oloyede for Transparency and Accountability in UTME Glitch Response
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Religious leaders from across Nigeria have united in praise of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for his transparent and responsible handling of the technical malfunction that disrupted the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
During a joint press conference held in Abuja, prominent Islamic and Christian clerics lauded Professor Oloyede’s leadership during the crisis, describing his actions as exemplary and rare in Nigeria’s public service.
Imam Fuad Adeyemi of the Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society and Archbishop John Praise Daniel of the Dominion Chapel hailed the JAMB chief for offering affected candidates a free opportunity to retake the exam. “Professor Oloyede’s swift decision reflects a deep commitment to fairness and equity,” said Imam Adeyemi.
The clerics expressed sympathy for the students and families impacted by the glitch and urged candidates to approach the retake with resilience and focus. They also commended Professor Oloyede’s public apology, calling it an unprecedented act of humility in the Nigerian governance landscape.
“In a country where public officials often shy away from admitting errors, Professor Oloyede’s honesty sets a new leadership standard,” Archbishop Daniel noted. Both religious leaders advocated for an independent investigation into the technical failure while applauding JAMB’s openness throughout the ordeal.
Reflecting on Professor Oloyede’s tenure since 2016, the clerics highlighted his reformative impact, including the remittance of over ₦20.7 billion to government coffers — a record increase from previous administrations. They also acknowledged his implementation of key innovations such as the Central Admissions Processing System and inclusive measures for candidates with disabilities.
“True leadership is defined by how one handles challenges,” Archbishop Daniel emphasized. “Professor Oloyede did not deflect blame — he acted decisively.”
The event concluded with prayers for the Registrar’s continued success, with the clerics describing his leadership as a beacon of hope for ethical governance and educational reform in Nigeria.