Sir: From the very moment, some days ago when the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was released, which was characterised by unfortunate technical glitches, torrents of reaction, with majority of them harsh, have expectedly trailed the board and its Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Olarewaju Oloyede.

While the examination was without doubt marred with appreciable unexpected outcomes thereby leaving some candidates and their parents frustrated and raising questions about the credibility of the JAMB and Prof. Oloyede, an objective analysis of the development, from the global prism, particularly Oloyede’s admission of glitches and calls for resit of the examination, reveals something new and different about the Registrar. 

More than anything, it significantly portrays Oloyede as a humble, sincere and transparent leader, who is willing, eager and ready to openly admit his flaws – a lesson other public office holders in Nigeria must draw.

In addition to being a symbol of transparency and accountability, Oloyede’s latest reaction, (or is it an approach) to the crisis is completely in line with expectations and demands of global public leadership.  Instead of coming under fire, he is supposed to be praised for his heroic, historic and legendary demonstration of courage.

In a well considered research report titled “Why Leaders Should Be Open About Their Flaws?” published by Harvard Business Review, Li Jiang, Maryam Kouchaki and Leslie K John, argued beyond reasonable doubt that; No one is perfect, and that includes leaders. In fact, some of the most successful leaders are those who are open about their flaws and shortcomings. Why? Because being honest about your flaws shows that you’re human, and it allows people to see that you’re capable of making mistakes and learning from them. It also sets an excellent example for others to follow. 

In the end, leaders who try to hide their imperfections only make themselves look bad. So if you’re not comfortable with sharing your flaws with others, remember that it’s okay to be imperfect. Embrace your humanity and use your mistakes as opportunities to grow and learn. Your team will respect you all the more for it.
 
Like Oloyode, being open about your flaws demonstrates courage and vulnerability, two qualities that are essential for effective leadership. Showing vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness, and nothing demonstrates courage as boldly as acknowledging our flaws. Leaders who can share their mistakes openly and honestly – and accept feedback with grace – often go on to achieve great success.

People naturally react positively to someone willing to be vulnerable, open, and honest about their weaknesses; it conveys an aura of trustworthiness and encourages others to be vulnerable in return. Being open about our flaws, instils courage and allows us an opportunity for growth that we wouldn’t otherwise have.

In retrospect, there is every reason to believe that Oloyede is a man with famous dedication to integrity in public office and have, 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.

As Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, 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.

Oloyede is among the few Nigerians that have built a long-standing reputation of excellence, probity and accountability and therefore, should not be judged or condemned by one mere mistake or omission, which he has already admitted and apologised for.

Jerome-Mario Utomi, a media specialist, wrote from Lagos.