A broadcast journalist, Olalekan Shoyinka, has praised the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for demonstrating rare accountability in the face of technical disruptions that affected parts of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a strong commentary shared from Abeokuta, Shoyinka described Prof. Oloyede’s public acknowledgment of the glitches and his transparent handling of the matter as “a breath of fresh air” in Nigeria’s public service.
“In a country where public accountability often takes a back seat to denial, evasion, or outright silence, Prof. Oloyede’s conduct stands out,” Shoyinka said. “He didn’t deflect blame or hide behind bureaucratic shields. He owned the shortcomings, explained them sincerely, and took responsibility with grace.”
Shoyinka stressed that while such integrity should be standard in governance, it is increasingly uncommon. “We should not have to applaud honesty—it should be expected. But in today’s Nigeria, where public officials routinely sidestep responsibility, Prof. Oloyede’s actions are not just commendable—they are instructive.”
He urged other institutions, particularly those overseeing elections such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), to emulate Oloyede’s example.
“Our elections remain riddled with opacity, controversy, and mistrust,” he said. “We need leaders in the electoral space who understand that they are stewards of public trust, not partisan tools.”
Shoyinka emphasized that building a credible nation requires a shift in culture—from one of excuses and blame-shifting to one rooted in transparency and fear of God.
“Nigeria cannot afford to keep recycling the same old habits of denial and impunity. We need leaders who fear the Almighty, care about the people, and understand that leadership is a sacred trust,” he added.
He concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May Almighty Allah bless Prof. Oloyede’s sincere heart and conscience. And may his example inspire a new standard of public service in Nigeria.”
