From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The University of Ilorin has praised the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Emeritus Professor Is’haq Oloyede, for demonstrating rare accountability and sincere leadership in addressing the recent technical issues that affected the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), described Oloyede’s televised apology to affected candidates as a bold and compassionate act rarely seen among public office holders in Nigeria.
“Only a conscientious, sincere, and courageous leader with genuine compassion for the welfare of the people he serves, could openly take responsibility for an incident like this,” Egbewole said in a statement issued by the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, recently.
According to him, “Many Nigerian leaders would have simply hidden behind excuses or shifted blame, but Oloyede accepted responsibility and apologised publicly. That is true leadership.”
The Vice Chancellor noted that Oloyede’s response to the situation was not surprising given his deep roots in the University of Ilorin, where he not only studied but also served as a staff member and later as the institution’s 8th Vice Chancellor between 2007 and 2012.
Egbewole said the former UNILORIN helmsman has consistently embodied the values of transparency and service, making him one of the university’s most admired ambassadors.
“It is not every leader that owns up to mistakes and even takes responsibility for the infractions of others. That shows strength, not weakness,” Egbewole added.
He encouraged other public officials to emulate Oloyede’s forthrightness and take ownership of their roles in a manner that inspires public trust.
The Vice Chancellor expressed the University’s pride in Oloyede’s consistent dedication to excellence and wished him continued success in his role at JAMB.