Lief Achievement Award
When Prof. Ishaq Oloyede turned 70 on October 10, 2024, the floodgate of tributes and accolades were opened for a man who has distinguished himself in character and learning.
His dedication to integrity in public office has, over the years, endeared him to well meaning Nigerians. His innovative ideas and commitment to excellence bring revolution to any public institutions he passes through.
In his career as a public office holder, he has left on the sands of time, footprints of a man of honour. As Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede brought about a revolution and innovation that laid the foundation for computer-based exams. In fact, he gave computer-based examinations meaning at UNILORIN and has taken it to a higher level in JAMB with the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
At the University of Ilorin, from 2007 to 2012, he showed a classical example of how to turn-around a public institution. His era witnessed the transformation of the university from a relatively unknown institution to one of the top 20 universities in Africa, making it a choice place for admission seekers and scholars. In addition to academic excellence at the university, he embarked on massive infrastructure development that added value. He made the building of students’ hostels, laboratories, lecture halls and other facilities his priority.
Under his leadership as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the examination body has become a study in transparency and accountability. In 2017, Nigerians were shocked to hear that JAMB remitted N7.8 billion to the federal government’s coffers as against the less than N50 million the institution remitted annually between 1978 and 2016.
That singular act raised a lot of questions and answers on accountability and transparency in public office in Nigeria. So far, JAMB, under his watch, has remitted an operating surplus of N20.7 billion to the federal government.
It is worthy to note that under Oloyede’s leadership, JAMB has reduced the cost of its application fees by 30 per cent and still remits money to the federal government. He is also credited with the creation of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which ensures that no candidate is discriminated against in the admission process.
Prof Oloyede’s contributions to the development of Islamic law and education cannot be overlooked. With local and international awards, he stands out as a down-to-earth man of achievements.
The Board of Editors found him worthy to receive The Sun Lifetime Achievement Award 2024