PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a 39-year-old professor, Segun Aina, as the new registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose two-term tenure expires on July 31, 2026.
The appointment has generated widespread reactions, with Nigerians expressing mixed opinions about the decision. While some Nigerians praised the move as a step toward youth inclusion, others raised concerns over regional balance in public appointments.
Reacting to the development on Facebook, Tope Ige credited the president for the appointment, describing it as a positive signal for young Nigerians. In his words, “Youths are not necessarily needed in political rallies, ballot snatching or stuffing, political thuggery, or political bodyguards to godfathers. Areas as this is where their expertise is needed to bring development to the system because theirs is the future of this great country, Nigeria.”
Similarly, Aminu Gidado described the appointment as a round peg in a round hole, while urging the new registrar to justify the confidence placed in him. “Younger people are banking on you. Don't fail us,” he stated.
However, a Twitter user, Abdulwasiu Olokooba, questioned the regional implications of the appointment. While clarifying that he was not doubting Segun Aina’s competence, he expressed concerns about another Yoruba man succeeding Oloyede, who has occupied the position since 2016.
In his words, “Another Yoruba man replacing a Yoruba who has occupied the position since 2016, yet the same government keeps preaching national inclusion. I am not even doubting Segun Aina’s competence, but there are many equally qualified Nigerians like him from other tribes and regions too.”
For context, Dibu Ojerinde served as JAMB registrar from 2007 to 2016 before Oloyede took over the position for a decade-long tenure scheduled to end in July 2026.
As reactions continue to trail the appointment, Nigerians remain divided between support for youth inclusion in leadership and concerns about regional balance. In the long run, attention will shift to how Professor Segun Aina handles the role and improves confidence in JAMB’s examination processes across the country.
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