By Isaac Lewu
As Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede turns 70, we celebrate not just the longevity of a distinguished academic and administrator, but the enduring legacy of his contributions to Nigeria’s educational system. Over the decades, Oloyede has stood as a beacon of excellence, commitment, and reform. From his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin to his transformational leadership at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), his work has left an indelible mark on the nation’s academic and administrative structures. In this tribute, we reflect on his unparalleled service to education and his visionary approach to leadership, which continues to resonate across generations.
As Professor Oloyede celebrates his 70th birthday, it is fitting to reflect on the remarkable legacy he has built over the years. His contributions to the University of Ilorin and JAMB have had a transformative impact on Nigeria’s educational landscape, earning him a place among the most respected and influential figures in the country’s academic community.
Oloyede’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the examination hall, he has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for education and a desire to improve the lives of Nigerian students. His reforms at JAMB, in particular, have restored public confidence in the admissions process and set a new standard for transparency and accountability in the country’s educational institutions.
As we celebrate Oloyede’s 70th birthday, we do so not only to honor his achievements but also to recognize the lasting impact of his work. His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to ethical governance continue to inspire a new generation of educators and leaders in Nigeria and beyond. In an era where strong, principled leadership is more important than ever, Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. May his 70th year be a reminder of the powerful legacy he has built and the many more contributions he is yet to make in the years to come.
Born on October 10, 1954, Professor Oloyede’s academic journey is one of brilliance and resilience. An erudite scholar of Islamic Studies, he obtained his first degree from the University of Ilorin in 1977 and subsequently earned his postgraduate degrees from the same institution. His intellectual rigor and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge were evident early in his career, as he quickly rose through the ranks of academia. However, it was his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin that brought his visionary leadership to the forefront of Nigeria’s educational discourse.
During his tenure as Vice Chancellor from 2007 to 2012, Oloyede implemented far-reaching reforms that transformed the University of Ilorin into one of the top-performing universities in Nigeria. Under his leadership, the university achieved numerous milestones, including being recognised as one of the few Nigerian universities to maintain a stable academic calendar without disruptions from strikes. This consistency, which set the University of Ilorin apart, was a testament to Oloyede’s skill in managing complex administrative and labour relations issues. He fostered a culture of dialogue and mutual respect between the administration and staff unions, ensuring that the primary focus remained on the student’s academic progress.
One of Professor Oloyede’s most remarkable achievements during his tenure at the University of Ilorin was his ability to navigate the often turbulent waters of academic governance in Nigeria. In a country where universities are frequently paralyzed by strikes and labour disputes, Oloyede’s leadership ensured that the University of Ilorin remained a model of stability. The university consistently held its academic sessions without the interruptions that plagued many other institutions. This stability not only boosted the university’s reputation but also significantly improved student outcomes, allowing them to complete their programs on time and enter the workforce sooner than their peers in other institutions.
In addition to maintaining a stable academic calendar, Oloyede prioritized infrastructural development at the University of Ilorin. His tenure saw the expansion of academic facilities, including lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries, to accommodate the growing student population. He also placed a strong emphasis on research and innovation, encouraging faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research that addressed real-world challenges. Under his leadership, the university gained recognition for its contributions to various fields, including agriculture, engineering, and medicine.
Oloyede’s passion for education was not limited to the physical and academic development of the university. He was also deeply committed to ensuring that the institution operated with the highest standards of ethics and transparency. During his time as Vice Chancellor, he instituted a series of reforms aimed at improving governance and accountability within the university’s administration. These measures helped to curb corruption and promote a culture of integrity, earning him the respect of both his colleagues and students.
After a successful tenure at the University of Ilorin, Professor Oloyede was appointed the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in 2016. His appointment marked the beginning of a new era for the examination body, which had been criticized in the past for inefficiencies and corrupt practices. From the moment he assumed office, Oloyede embarked on a mission to reform JAMB and restore public confidence in the integrity of its processes.
One of the most significant reforms introduced by Oloyede was the digitization of JAMB’s operations. Recognizing the need to modernize the organization’s processes, he oversaw the introduction of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, which replaced the old paper-based examination format. This innovation not only improved the efficiency of the examination process but also significantly reduced the incidence of examination malpractice. By leveraging technology, Oloyede ensured that candidates could sit for their exams in a more secure and controlled environment, and the results could be processed and released more quickly.
In addition to the introduction of the CBT system, Oloyede implemented a series of measures aimed at improving transparency and accountability within JAMB. He introduced a centralized admissions process known as the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which allowed universities to manage their admissions more transparently. CAPS also provided candidates with greater clarity about their admission status, reducing the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompanied the university admissions process in the past.
Under Oloyede’s leadership, JAMB also became more financially transparent. His administration made headlines when it announced that JAMB had remitted over N5 billion to the federal government, a significant increase from previous years when the board had barely remitted any revenue. This achievement was a result of the stringent financial reforms he put in place, which eliminated waste and improved the efficiency of the board’s operations.
Oloyede’s reforms at JAMB did not go unnoticed. His efforts earned him widespread praise from stakeholders across Nigeria’s educational sector, including government officials, educators, and students. Many hailed him as a reformer who was committed to restoring integrity to the admissions process and ensuring that JAMB operated in the best interests of Nigerian students.
Throughout his career, Professor Oloyede has been known for his unwavering commitment to integrity and ethical leadership. Whether as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin or as Registrar of JAMB, he has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility and accountability in his leadership roles. His focus on transparency and accountability has been central to his success in both positions.
At the University of Ilorin, Oloyede’s insistence on ethical conduct helped to create a culture of trust and respect within the university community. He was known for his open-door policy, which allowed students and staff to voice their concerns directly to the administration. This approach fostered a sense of inclusion and collaboration, which contributed to the university’s stability and growth during his tenure.
At JAMB, his commitment to integrity was evident in the reforms he introduced to improve the board’s financial management and operations. His efforts to combat examination malpractice and promote transparency in the admissions process have had a lasting impact on the credibility of JAMB and the broader educational system in Nigeria.
While Professor Oloyede’s contributions to academia and education are well-documented, his service to Nigeria extends beyond these realms. Over the years, he has been actively involved in various national and international organizations, using his expertise to contribute to broader societal development. He has served on numerous committees and boards, including the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Association of African Universities (AAU), where he has played a key role in shaping educational policies and promoting collaboration among African institutions.
Oloyede is also a respected voice in the Nigerian Muslim community, where he has provided leadership and guidance on issues related to religion and education. As a devout Muslim and scholar of Islamic Studies, he has used his platform to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding, advocating for peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious groups.
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