* * To introduce mobile app, paperless operations

The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina, has pledged to reduce the trauma associated with Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process, unveiling an ambitious five-year reform agenda designed to make the examination body more transparent, technology-driven and candidate-friendly.

Presenting his strategic blueprint, “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” shortly after assuming office on Monday, Prof. Aina said his administration would focus on simplifying admission processes, improving communication with candidates and deploying cutting-edge technology to eliminate bottlenecks that have long frustrated applicants and their families.

Describing his appointment as “a homecoming and a solemn responsibility,” the Registrar said the 2026-2031 development plan would consolidate the reforms introduced by his predecessor, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, while positioning JAMB as Africa’s most trusted, innovative and accessible assessment and admissions institution.

According to him, the agenda is built around Project 2:5:7—two strategic objectives, five enduring pillars and seven flagship initiatives—aimed at strengthening institutional integrity, enhancing service delivery and restoring public confidence in the admissions process.

“Every registration represents the aspirations of a young Nigerian and the sacrifices of parents and guardians,” Aina said, assuring candidates that fairness, transparency and integrity would remain the guiding principles of the Board.

He disclosed that JAMB would introduce a unified mobile application, establish a centralised customer service platform and implement a fully paperless enterprise-wide administration system to make its services faster, more accessible and less stressful for candidates and other stakeholders.

The Registrar also announced plans for an independent review of JAMB’s technology infrastructure, the attainment of ISO 27001 Information Security Certification, strategic communication and brand repositioning, as well as enhanced staff welfare and capacity development.

Aina explained that the reform programme would rest on five strategic pillars: Integrity, Service, Governance, Technology and Partnerships.

He said the integrity pillar would strengthen public trust through internationally recognised standards, independent technology audits and transparent systems, while the service pillar would focus on responsive customer service, clearer communication and better engagement with candidates, parents and tertiary institutions.

Under the governance pillar, the Board intends to improve performance monitoring, contract management and institutional accountability, while technology will drive expanded digital platforms, artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.

The partnerships pillar, he added, will deepen collaboration with financial institutions, fintech companies, educational organisations and international partners to expand innovation and improve service delivery.

While calling on members of staff to embrace innovation, professionalism and teamwork, Aina said enduring institutions are built on strong systems rather than individuals.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a more efficient admissions system that reduces anxiety for candidates, deepens public trust and establishes JAMB as a global benchmark in technology-driven examination and admissions administration.