Prof. Ishaq Oloyede: From Tech Reform to JAMB’s Biggest Scandal

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede is no stranger to reforms. As Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN (2007–2012), he gave the university one of the most stable academic calendars in Nigeria and pushed ICT-driven learning into its system.

By 2016, he became JAMB Registrar, where he shook the table with massive reforms digitising UTME, moving admissions online with CAPS, fighting malpractice with biometrics and CCTV, and even remitting billions back to government coffers.

But 2025 became his toughest test yet. In May, Oloyede broke down in tears after a technical glitch wiped out results for 379,997 UTME candidates across Lagos and the South-East.

The cause? A failed server patch update that created mismatches in exam scoring. Out of 1.9 million candidates, over 1.5 million still scored below 200, sparking outrage nationwide.

Instead of sweeping it under the carpet, JAMB set up a Special Committee on Examination Infractions, chaired by activist Jake Epelle. The findings were shocking:

• 1,878 fake claims of albinism to beat the system.
• 6,000+ cases of tech-enabled malpractice uncovered.
  
• 4,251 cases of “finger blending” (biometric fraud).

Fake NINs, forged documents, AI-assisted impersonation, and even syndicate-backed fraud.


The panel didn’t just expose the rot — it gave strong recommendations: AI-driven biometric anomaly checks, stricter penalties (including bans and prosecution), a central fraud registry, legal reforms, and tougher CBT centre monitoring.

Why it matters for Nigeria..

This JAMB saga is a mirror for our country. It shows that while technology can transform systems, it is not bulletproof. Human error, weak enforcement, and desperate actors — whether students or politicians — can still crash the process. Think back to INEC’s 2023 result upload glitches; the parallel is clear.

Oloyede may still be remembered as a reformer, but 2025 proved one thing: Nigeria must combine tech innovation with stronger laws, accountability, and public trust if we truly want progress.

Do you think Nigeria is ready to adopt these AI-driven solutions to protect exams — and even elections — from fraud?