JAMB Registrar Warns Exam Malpractitioners: 'Your Business is in the Wrong Institution'

The single sharpest fact is that Prof. Segun Aina, the new registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has vowed to wage war on exam malpractice. Speaking during his formal handover ceremony at the JAMB National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, Prof. Aina pledged to protect the integrity of Nigeria's tertiary admission process by deploying every lawful technological, administrative and investigative measure to detect, deter and prosecute offenders.

Prof. Aina, a professor of education, was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu to lead the examination body. Before assuming office, he was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos. Prof. Aina has a reputation for being a no-nonsense leader who has a passion for education. He has vowed to use his expertise to ensure that JAMB becomes a more transparent, customer-focused, and technology-driven examination body.

But what exactly led to this new direction? JAMB has a long history of being plagued by exam malpractice. The board has consistently warned against cheating, but some candidates and parents have continued to engage in the practice. This has resulted in several cases of admitted students being caught and subsequently disqualified. Prof. Aina has vowed to bring these rogue elements to book.

During his speech, Prof. Aina also spoke about his plans to build a more resilient JAMB. He said that his administration would focus on strengthening institutional systems rather than concentrating authority on individuals. He emphasized that enduring public institutions are built on values, accountability, and strong operational frameworks.

'The future belongs to those who prepare, not those who cheat. Every fraudulent admission secured through malpractice is a place stolen from an honest Nigerian. We shall do everything within the law to ensure that such theft does not succeed,' Prof. Aina said.

Prof. Aina also assured candidates and parents that his administration would work to reduce the stress, uncertainty, and anxiety associated with JAMB's services. He said that his team would simplify processes, improve communication, strengthen customer support, and modernise service delivery. He emphasized that JAMB must never become the source of unnecessary trauma for Nigerians.

The registrar also paid tribute to his predecessors, particularly Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who he described as a 'pillar of strength'. He said that Prof. Oloyede laid the solid institutional foundation upon which the board stands today.

The new JAMB registrar's vow to tackle exam malpractice has sent a clear message to candidates and parents: cheating will no longer be tolerated. With his no-nonsense approach and passion for education, Prof. Aina is determined to ensure that JAMB remains a trustworthy institution. As he takes the reins, Nigerians can only hope that his administration will live up to its promises.