President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina, a renowned Computer Engineering expert, as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), replacing Professor Ishaq Oloyede whose tenure ends on July 31, 2026.
The appointment, announced on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, marks a significant generational shift in the leadership of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary admission examination body. At 39, Aina is set to become the youngest registrar in JAMB’s history.
According to the Presidency, the appointment reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector through digital innovation, institutional reforms, and improved examination integrity.
Professor Aina, who will turn 40 in July, is currently a professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University. He is widely recognised for his expertise in digital infrastructure, examination technologies, cybersecurity, and public-sector reforms.
The statement described him as a distinguished academic with extensive experience advising both federal and state governments on digital transformation initiatives and institutional system design.
Aina obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent. He later earned a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.
In addition to his academic qualifications, the incoming JAMB registrar also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School, further strengthening his expertise in leadership and institutional management.
The Presidency noted that Aina possesses more than 15 years of professional experience in digital governance, educational technology systems, and institutional reforms. Over the years, he has consulted for several national examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, particularly in the areas of ICT systems development and examination security.
Education stakeholders believe his appointment could usher in a new era of technology-driven reforms at JAMB, especially amid increasing concerns over examination malpractice, result processing, and digital admission systems.
Aina is also affiliated with several professional engineering organisations, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed confidence that the new registrar would sustain and surpass the achievements recorded under the administration of outgoing registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
The President said Aina’s experience, technical knowledge, and practical understanding of examination systems would help reposition JAMB for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.
Observers say the appointment comes at a crucial period for Nigeria’s education sector as the government intensifies efforts to modernise examination processes, improve admission transparency, and strengthen confidence in public institutions.
Under Oloyede’s leadership, JAMB recorded major reforms in examination administration, remittances to the Federal Government, and the adoption of computer-based testing systems nationwide. Analysts expect Aina to build on those reforms while introducing more advanced digital solutions to tackle emerging challenges in the education sector.
The appointment has already generated reactions across academic and political circles, with many describing it as a bold move aimed at empowering younger technocrats in national leadership positions.
With his background in engineering, cybersecurity, and institutional reform, stakeholders say Professor Aina’s tenure could redefine the future of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system and deepen the integration of technology into educational administration.
