New JAMB Registrar Segun Aina Declares War on Exam Malpractice, Vows Tougher Crackdown to Protect Exam Integrity

During the JAMB handing-over event, Professor Segun Aina, the newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has promised to launch an uncompromising fight against examination malpractice, warning fraud syndicates, impersonators, certificate forgers and corrupt operators that there will be no hiding place under his administration.

Speaking on Friday during his official handover ceremony at the JAMB National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, Aina said protecting the integrity of Nigeria's tertiary admission process would remain his top priority.

According to the new registrar, JAMB will deploy every lawful technological, administrative and investigative measure available to detect, prevent and prosecute examination-related offences.

"We shall protect the integrity of JAMB with everything the law permits."

Issuing a stern warning to those involved in examination fraud, Aina said anyone profiting from malpractice had chosen the wrong institution.

"To those who organise examination malpractice, recruit impersonators, forge credentials, compromise CBT centres, exploit desperate candidates and parents, engage in cybercrime, extortion, bribery or identity theft, hear me clearly: your business is in the wrong institution."

He disclosed that the board would strengthen collaboration with security agencies and continue investing in advanced technology and global best practices to stay ahead of fraudsters.

If you want to pass the 2027 JAMB UTME exam with flying colors, practice with ExamGuide UTME Learning App. Download the app from https://www.examguide.com/offline/products/utme

Aina maintained that every fraudulent admission secured through malpractice deprives a deserving candidate of an opportunity.

"The future belongs to those who prepare, not those who cheat. Every fraudulent admission secured through malpractice is a place stolen from an honest Nigerian. We shall do everything within the law to ensure that such theft does not succeed."

Beyond tackling examination malpractice, the new registrar promised to build a more transparent, technology-driven and customer-focused examination body that would inspire greater confidence among candidates, parents and tertiary institutions.

He described JAMB as more than just an examination agency, saying it serves as the bridge between the dreams of millions of young Nigerians and opportunities for higher education.

"Behind every registration number is a young person with a dream. Behind every application is a family making sacrifices. Behind every admission is the hope for a better future. Very few public institutions are entrusted with something so precious, and that trust is our greatest responsibility."

Aina assured candidates and parents that his administration would simplify JAMB's processes, improve communication channels, strengthen customer support services and modernise service delivery to reduce unnecessary stress during registration and admission exercises.

"We must never become the source of unnecessary trauma for Nigerians. Whether they visit our offices, call our help desk or interact with us online, they should encounter professionalism, courtesy, clarity and genuine care."

The registrar also said his administration would prioritise building stronger institutional systems instead of relying on individuals.

AD: Join thousands of successful students and turn your UTME dream score into reality – download the ExamGuide UTME Learning App now and start your journey to academic excellence

According to him, sustainable public institutions thrive on accountability, values and efficient operational frameworks.

"If, at the end of my stewardship, JAMB becomes less dependent on individuals and more dependent on strong systems, less vulnerable to personalities and more resilient because of its culture, then I shall consider my service worthwhile."

Professor Aina expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing him to lead JAMB, promising to serve with integrity, fairness and diligence.

"I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence he has reposed in me. I assure Mr President and every Nigerian that I shall discharge this responsibility with integrity, fairness, diligence and an unwavering commitment to the public good."

He also thanked the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for his commitment to educational reforms and pledged close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to further strengthen Nigeria's education system.

The new registrar paid tribute to former JAMB registrars, including pioneer registrar Michael Saidu Angulu, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, Professor Bello Salim, Professor Dibu Ojerinde and his immediate predecessor, Professor Is-haq Oloyede.

He particularly commended Oloyede for strengthening the credibility of JAMB and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.

"Leadership is not measured only by how we assume office but by how we prepare others to succeed. Your willingness to share your experience and place the institution above self reflects the values that have defined your stewardship."

Reflecting on his journey, Aina recalled serving at JAMB as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member nearly two decades ago, describing his appointment as registrar as a homecoming.

"I walked through the gates of JAMB as a young corps member almost 20 years ago. I never imagined I would return one day as registrar. That experience taught me that JAMB is a community of dedicated public servants quietly changing the lives of millions of Nigerians."

He urged members of staff to embrace professionalism, innovation and integrity while contributing ideas that would strengthen the institution.

"The future of JAMB will not be built from the office of the registrar alone. It will be built by thousands of dedicated public servants choosing every day to do ordinary things extraordinarily well."

Aina also called on vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, regulatory agencies, development partners and the private sector to work together in transforming Nigeria's education sector.

Preparing to sit for UTME? Download ExamGuide UTME Practice App from www.examguide.com/offline/products/utme

In his message to Nigerian youths, the registrar encouraged candidates to reject shortcuts and remain committed to hard work and honesty.

"Never allow anyone to convince you that integrity no longer matters. Never believe that shortcuts are a substitute for preparation. Believe in honest work. Nigeria needs your intelligence, but it needs your integrity even more."

He concluded by saying every policy and decision under his leadership would be guided by what best serves honest Nigerian students.

"If a decision makes it harder for an honest Nigerian child to realise their dreams, then we must not do it. If it makes it easier, then we must pursue it with excellence."