Oloyede: First Class Graduate Who Turned Nigeria’s Admission Board to First Class

Cursory: The story of Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB, has gained attention for his transformation of the admissions agency in Nigeria. Oloyede, a former Vice Chancellor, is recognized for remitting billions to the government and leading a significant transformation. In an interview, he shared his early experiences, including his decision to join UNILORIN as a Graduate Assistant.

The narrative surrounding the transformation of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) by Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the organization, is well-known.

Oloyede’s journey has unfolded in a captivating manner, highlighting the potential for altruistic service to the nation. As a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and a former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Oloyede gained recognition for remitting over N50 billion generated by JAMB back to the government over a six-year period, after accounting for examination expenses.

Under his leadership, the examination body has undergone a remarkable transformation. During a recent interview with the Sunday Tribune, the Professor of Islamic Studies shared his experience of becoming a dean of a faculty at the former National Open University of Nigeria while serving as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He mentioned being one of the first-class graduates selected by former President Shehu Shagari to join the university, considering their outstanding performances at the graduate level in their respective universities.

Despite the enticing and overwhelming nature of the position, Oloyede made the decision to accept the invitation from the University of Ilorin to become a Graduate Assistant, even though he had the opportunity to work in government parastatal agencies.

Oloyede’s commitment to the University of Ilorin at that stage of his career, despite other available options, speaks to his dedication and passion for academia.

It is evident that his journey has been marked by significant achievements and a profound impact on the educational landscape.

The former vice chancellor of UNILORIN disclosed that he was earning N528 monthly as a graduate assistant at UNILORIN, adding that he bought his first car for N600 by paying N300 in two installments.

“Having finished with a first class in Arabic from University of Ilorin, the then President Shehu Shagari drafted all of us to the then Open University of Nigeria for my NYSC. From there, I realised life should not be as easy as that.

“Life was so smooth that I decided that if life were to be that easy then everyone would have been living in golden houses. So, I decided to go back to the University of Ilorin.

“That was how I went back to complete my NYSC. At that time as a corps member, I was already a dean of a faculty.“So, I was controlling things I ought not to be in charge of. The facilities I had were definitely more than the age of a fresh graduate. So, on the invitation of the University of Ilorin, I went back.

“At that time, people had so many opportunities to go into the Nigerian Army, National Television Authority, including the then Federal Mortgage Bank.

“But, University of Ilorin offered me Graduate Assistantship and I felt that is the right place to be.

“I was earning N528 per month. From there, I bought my first car for N600. When I got my salary, I simply told the seller I would pay you twice.

“So, I paid N300 at first and completed it the following month. That was how I became a car owner,” he said.

Reflecting on his aspirations as a young boy, Oloyede shared his desire to become a scholar capable of teaching and preaching at an Arabic School.

He expressed how the experiences of individuals like the late Ayomaya, Femi Abbas, and Professor Abubakar inspired him to pursue his dreams while attending Morikaz School in Agege.

Oloyede went on to explain that he pursued a Certificate Course at the University of Ibadan, taught at Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, and eventually gained admission through Direct Entry into the University of Ilorin. These experiences shaped his path and fueled his determination to excel in the academic realm.

“When I was at Morikaz School in Agege, my intention was to be a scholar to be able to preach and teach at the Arabic school level.

“When I got there, I was encouraged by people like Late Ayomaya, Femi Abbas, Professor R.B. Abubakar. All of them were products of Arabic School but who ended up in the universities.

“And I just felt that if these people could be what they were, why can’t I? So, it was from Morikaz in Agege that I went to the University of Ibadan.

“When I finished my certificate course, I went to teach in Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School. From there, I gained admission by direct entry into the University of Ilorin,” Oloyede said.

Source: Tribune

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