New JAMB Registrar: Five Key Things Nigerians Need to Know

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

He succeeds Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose two-term tenure ends on July 31, 2026. The appointment was announced on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Professor Aina, a distinguished academic and systems expert, is expected to assume office on August 1, 2026. President Tinubu expressed confidence that the new registrar will build on the significant reforms achieved under Professor Oloyede, particularly in digital infrastructure and examination integrity.

Here are five key things Nigerians should know about the incoming JAMB Registrar:

1. Professor of Computer Engineering

Professor Segun Aina is a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He is widely regarded as a systems expert with deep experience in examination systems, digital infrastructure, and institutional reform. His expertise positions him strongly to advance JAMB’s ongoing computer-based testing (CBT) initiatives.

2. UK-Trained Academic

Aina holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, United Kingdom. He earned an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University, UK. He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

3. Early Connection to JAMB 

His association with JAMB dates back to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, when he gained foundational experience in national admissions processes and data-driven systems. This early exposure has informed his contributions to examination reforms and systems optimisation.

4. Consultant to Major Examination Bodies  

With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina has consulted for key bodies including the National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and various state ministries of education. His work focuses on ICT systems, examination integrity, digital transition, and operational reforms.

5. JAMB’s Youngest Registrar

Born in July (turning 40 this year), Professor Aina became one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering. He is set to make history as the youngest person to serve as JAMB Registrar.

He is a registered member of several professional bodies, including COREN, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), IEEE, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The appointment has been welcomed in many quarters as a merit-based choice that brings youthful energy, technical expertise, and continuity to Nigeria’s premier tertiary admissions body.

Stakeholders anticipate further innovations in transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) under his leadership.