JAMB
Bolatito Mercy
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed that its newly appointed registrar, Professor Segun Aina, played a central role in the early rollout of the Computer-Based Test system. JAMB made this known in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved Aina’s appointment. The Board said Aina was actively involved during the formative stage of the CBT transition, a period when JAMB was moving away from the traditional paper-and-pencil format.
Aina, a professor of computer engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, will take over from Professor Is-haq Oloyede on August 1, 2026, when Oloyede’s second term ends. At 39, he is set to become JAMB’s youngest registrar. His background in computer systems engineering, internet computing, network security, and digital signal processing placed him in a position to contribute to the technical framework that underpins the current CBT model. JAMB described him as a familiar figure within its operational ecosystem due to that early involvement.
The introduction of CBT marked one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s examination system. Before the transition, JAMB faced persistent issues with malpractice, impersonation, and delays in result processing. The shift to computer-based testing was designed to improve integrity, reduce human interference, and speed up the release of results. Aina’s involvement came at the point where these changes were being conceptualized and tested, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges of scaling the system nationwide.
JAMB noted that Aina’s expertise extends beyond software and hardware to institutional technology reform. His work helped shape the digital infrastructure that now supports the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination across hundreds of accredited centers. The Board credited this foundation with making it possible to process millions of candidates annually with greater efficiency and reduced administrative bottlenecks.
The timing of the appointment signals continuity in JAMB’s digital agenda. Oloyede himself had commended the initial adoption of CBT under former registrar Professor Dibu Ojerinde and worked to deepen it during his tenure. Under Oloyede, JAMB expanded the network of CBT centers, introduced tighter accreditation standards, and pushed for greater private-sector involvement in building facilities. With Aina now stepping in, the Board appears to be reinforcing its focus on technology-driven reforms.
Aina’s appointment also reflects a broader push to modernize Nigeria’s examination ecosystem. The Board has repeatedly stressed that infrastructure gaps remain a challenge, particularly in rural areas where access to functional CBT centers is limited. Officials say that sustaining the credibility of CBT will depend on expanding infrastructure, improving staff capacity, and maintaining partnerships with credible private institutions willing to invest in facilities.
The Board expects Aina’s technical background to be useful in addressing these gaps. His experience in data-driven institutional processes positions him to oversee upgrades to JAMB’s digital platforms, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve the reliability of examination delivery. JAMB stated that his familiarity with the system means he will not be starting from scratch, but rather building on a process he helped initiate years earlier.
With his resumption set for August 2026, expectations are high that Aina will consolidate the gains of the CBT regime while tackling its remaining weaknesses. JAMB’s statement suggests the Board sees him as someone who understands both the technical and administrative sides of the transition. For candidates and stakeholders, the focus will now shift to how his leadership shapes the next phase of computer-based examinations in Nigeria.
