President Bola Tinubu has appointed a 39-year-old professor as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is seen as a bold move by the president to inject fresh energy and innovation into the agency responsible for tertiary education admissions in Nigeria.

Professor Ishaku Ahmed, a respected academic with strong credentials in educational technology and administration, becomes one of the youngest persons to head the important examination body. He takes over from Professor Is-haq Oloyede, who has served in the position for many years.

Profile of the New Registrar

Professor Ahmed is known in academic circles for his work in digital education systems, data management, and policy development. Before this appointment, he held senior positions in Nigerian universities, where he was involved in modernising admission processes and improving the use of technology in higher education.

President Tinubu, in a statement from the Presidency, described the appointment as part of efforts to bring younger, competent Nigerians into key national institutions. The president expressed confidence that Professor Ahmed’s expertise will help strengthen the credibility and efficiency of JAMB.

Reactions

The appointment has received mixed reactions. Many young Nigerians and education stakeholders have welcomed it, describing it as a positive step towards youth inclusion in leadership positions. Some, however, have called for caution, urging the new registrar to maintain the high standards set by his predecessor.

Education experts believe the appointment could lead to greater use of technology in JAMB operations, including improved registration systems, better result processing, and stronger measures against examination malpractice.

Professor Ahmed is expected to assume office in the coming days. He will be required to oversee the conduct of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and ensure a smooth admission process for millions of Nigerian students.

This development adds to the list of relatively young Nigerians appointed by President Tinubu to head strategic government agencies, signalling his administration’s commitment to fresh ideas and generational change in public service.