PROF. ISHAQ OLANREWAJU OLOYEDE: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLIC OFFICE 

By Saliu Olanrewaju Lah

Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede is a colossus who has betrothed the educational landscape of Nigeria and has remained a prominent figure and a role model in public administration. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to improving the system and changing the narrative in any organization.

Prof. Oloyede at different times held different positions at the University of Ilorin, from Director of the Academic Planning Unit, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic ), Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Administration ), and later Vice Chancellor between 2007 and 2012. In all of these positions, it has been nothing short of an enduring legacy and achievements. His imprints are still being felt even after leaving the university system.

Prof. Oloyede believes in absolute excellence in service delivery, during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, he was known for his no-nonsense stand and exuded an atmosphere of discipline among the staff and students. He implemented various strategies that led to significant improvements in the overall quality of education at the university. Under his leadership, the university witnessed an unprecedented growth and development, including the establishment of new faculties and departments as well as innovative academic programs.

Prof Oloyede’s commitment to transparency and accountability was also evident during his time as the Vice Chancellor. He initiated financial reforms that promoted fiscal responsibility, resulting in the successful elimination of financial abuses and recklessness within the university’s administration. This not only restored public confidence but also led to increased funding and support from both local and international partners.

In recognition of his sterling leadership and achievements, Prof Oloyede was appointed as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in 2016. According to its mandates, JAMB is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ( UTME) which serves as the primary entrance examination for Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

Under his leadership, JAMB has witnessed significant reforms, including the introduction of computer-based testing to ensure fairness and reduction in examination malpractice, the credibility and efficiency of UTME, impersonation, and results manipulations.

One of the notable legacies and achievements of Prof Oloyede is the introduction of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). This online platform revolutionized the process of admission in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions making it more transparent and accessible to prospective candidates. Through CAPS, applicants can easily monitor their admission status and the institutions can easily and effectively manage their admissions quotas, resulting in a more efficient and merit-based selection process.

Furthermore, Prof Oloyede’s leadership at JAMB brought about a significant increase in revenue generation for the agency. This is a total departure from the previous administration who at no time remitted a dime to the coffer of the government. He implemented cost-saving measures and leveraged on technology, he was able to maximize the agency’s resources and ensured that JAMB operated sustainably and autonomously thereby reducing its dependence on government funding.

As part of his reforms in JAMB, Prof Oloyede introduced the Equal Opportunities for people living with disabilities, the initiatives aims at creating equal opportunities for people with different forms of disabilities to have equal access to education by making the JAMB application forms free of charge. Also, some gadgets will be provided like the braille for the blind in terms of writing materials. This initiative has been applauded across board especially within the community of people living with disabilities.

Overall, Prof Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede’s legacy of leadership and achievements in public service is characterized by his commitment to excellence, transparency, and the advancement of education in Nigeria. His reforms and innovative strategies have had a lasting impact on the Nigerian educational system, leaving a positive mark on the lives of countless students and institutions.

As he retires from the service of University of Ilorin, I pray to Allah SWT grants him long life and enjoyable sound health to continue to impact humanity.

Saliu Olanrewaju Lah a staff of Academic Support Services, University of Ilorin.