New JAMB registrar assumes office, pledges to sustain CBT

The newly appointed Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede has pledged to sustain the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

He gave the assurance yesterday at the official handover and assumption of office in JAMB headquarters, Abuja. He pledged the continuation of the good policies embarked upon by his predecessor, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde.

He added: “Part of my agenda is to key into the ‘change’ mantra of the current government by continuing to build on the legacy left behind by my predecessors and change whatever deserves to be changed because the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. We live in the Age of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and technology exists only to make life easier. In this regard, we shall deepen what I once called the ‘trendy tradition’.

According to him: “When we introduced Computer-Based Test (CBT) at the University of Ilorin for the conduct of our screening exercise in 2007, we had no doubt that it was the right thing to do. It is gratifying that JAMB had subsequently transited to the use of technology for the conduct of its examinations and I salute the resolve of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde in that regard as well.”

Oloyode, who is currently the President of Association of African Universities (AAU), said under his leadership JAMB would ensure that every child in Nigeria is computer literate.

The new registrar further revealed a five-point agenda, which includes an enhanced staff welfare, discipline, improved technology, transparency and advanced networking. The former vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin also assured that staff welfare, prompt payment of salaries, allowances and promotions would be given priority.

Earlier, the immediate past registrar urged the directors, zonal and state coordinators of JAMB to grant Oloyede the same cooperation he enjoyed while serving as head of the board.