It’s been traumatic for my entire family since that video began making the rounds. I only managed a quick glance—it felt too personal. It’s not just his trial. It’s our trial. Oloyede is genuine. He is deeply sincere and modest to a fault. But ultimately, Allah knows best.

I was with a trader that Wednesday afternoon—what I now consider a dark day: May 14, 2025. “Se bi won ni JAMB o get mo bayi…” she began. I had to interrupt immediately. “Which JAMB?” I asked. “Madam, that’s one person I will vouch for—without hesitation. He has zero tolerance for corruption. Absolutely responsible, and deeply conscious of the public good. If certain things went wrong at JAMB, then yes, he bears responsibility. But let it be known—any lapses may well be the result of sabotage. I’ve known this man for over 40 years. Oloyede is my hero.”

Let me be clear: this is not to downplay the tragic consequences of the so-called “computer glitch.” May Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, console the parents of the candidate reportedly lost to suicide. May He give them strength to survive this dark moment and grant them a lasting recompense that transcends human understanding. It is a deeply painful tragedy.

As for the glitch, may we never fall victim to such a fate. Anyone who has worked in large-scale ICT operations knows how unpredictable and even devastating technology can be. IT is indispensable in today’s world, but it can also become a cruel saboteur—especially in institutions as vast and complex as JAMB.

Let no one underestimate the possibility of deliberate sabotage. I’ve walked this JAMB journey with Oloyede from the very beginning and can attest to his tireless commitment to reform and integrity.

During the recent UTME, the JAMB team, under Oloyede’s leadership, took the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on a tour of JAMB’s critical facilities. What he witnessed left him awestruck. Never before had he seen such a transparent and tech-driven system for real-time exam monitoring across Nigeria. He immediately sought to replicate this “JAMB effect” across other examination bodies.

It wasn’t just words. That same day, WAEC and NECO teams came to JAMB. At the situation room—my duty post—they were led around by the dependable lead IT consultant, Damilola Bamiro. Both WAEC and NECO, richer by virtue of higher exam fees, found themselves unexpectedly humbled, instructed to understudy the gold standard that JAMB has become in Africa’s education space.

The tours revealed a synergy between leadership and technical staff that is rare in our clime. The astonishment on their faces was proof: what JAMB has accomplished under Oloyede is nothing short of revolutionary.

Yet, that may only be the visible part of the iceberg. As a scholar, Oloyede insists that JAMB’s experiences be documented, analysed, and used as future reference points, worthy of academic inquiry and administrative benchmarking.

When the glitch saga broke, JAMB responded with commendable urgency. Unlike the typical governmental arrogance of “we are right,” the Board listened. It investigated. And it acted. A particularly vocal critic, Adeola Soetan, a former student leader at Obafemi Awolowo University, even praised JAMB’s spokesperson for excellent public engagement.

An independent investigation followed. Experts drawn from diverse, technically competent backgrounds found that no fewer than 165 of the over 800 exam centres were affected. Prepared for whatever the findings might be, Oloyede did not flinch. He took responsibility. He told the truth. And yes—he cried.

That cry infected me. It was the cry of a patriot. A man whose love for country is pure. I wasn’t alone in this sentiment. A fellow academic, Dr. Kilani, a former Law lecturer at LASU, sent me a heartfelt message:

“I write to associate myself with the pain, sorrow and emotion of our own Professor Oloyede. I could not hold my tears seeing him cry. May Almighty Allah see him through. May we all not be put to shame…”

My cousin, Gbade Osunsoko, offered some comfort:

“…He will come out of this much stronger. Nigerians will trust him even more. A man under whose leadership mistakes happen, and he takes responsibility—that’s a rare quality in Nigeria.”

Under Oloyede, visually impaired candidates now have proper provisions for inclusion in UTME. How many public institutions in Nigeria meet such SDG-compliant standards?

Why, then, must a legacy built so painstakingly over nearly a decade be threatened now? How could a leader of such humility and integrity suddenly face this shadow? Who’s behind this? Why now? The truth will surely come to light.

JAMB’s transformation has been real, and it’s been documented. Even non-traditional stakeholders like the Nigeria Police and NNPC—now beneficiaries—can attest to the Board’s excellence. Under Oloyede, JAMB has become relevant to more sectors than ever imagined.

I remain deeply concerned. I was one of a few professionals handpicked to support this journey from the very beginning. I know his vision is genuine. It remains so. Inimitably so. And by God’s grace, it shall be well.

Professor Akanni teaches Journalism and Development Communication at Lagos State University (LASU). Follow him on X: @AkintundeAkanni