In a rare show of solidarity amid a storm of criticism, the Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, has publicly declared support for the embattled Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, following the technical hitches that marred the 2025 UTME and left hundreds of thousands of candidates in academic limbo.
The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was anything but smooth. Nearly 380,000 candidates were affected by technical glitches across multiple centres, leading to widespread public outrage and concerns over the credibility of the process.
Amidst the backlash, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, owned up to the failings. In an emotionally charged moment, he broke down in tears while addressing the media, assuring candidates that affected students would be given a second chance to write the examination.
Reacting to the development, the OGITECH Rector penned an open letter to the Registrar on Wednesday, hailing him for his courage, transparency, and uncommon humility in handling the crisis. According to Dr. Oluseye, the institution stands firmly behind Oloyede during what he called a “stormy time.”
“While the incident was regrettable,” he wrote, “we appreciate your recent action of acknowledging the glitches encountered in some of the centres, which is a testament to your rare transparency, courage, humility, and commitment to truth and integrity.”
A Lesson in Leadership
Oluseye further stressed that leadership is not about avoiding crises, but about owning up to them with dignity. He described Oloyede’s public admission as a mark of true leadership — one that is increasingly rare in today’s administrative space.
“In fact, it is a reminder that true leaders must be courageous enough to confront challenges with openness and a sense of responsibility. This, you demonstrated, and we are immensely proud of you,” the Rector added.
He praised JAMB’s broader role in shaping Nigeria’s academic future, noting that despite the glitches, the Board has continued to uphold transparency and fairness under Oloyede’s watch.
“Your efforts to maintain transparency and fairness are highly commendable. Despite the challenges, I must affirm that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board continues to play a crucial role in shaping the academic future of Nigerian students.”
A Call to Stay the Course
Reaffirming the polytechnic’s loyalty to Oloyede, the Rector urged him to remain strong and not be discouraged by the current backlash.
“OGITECH stands by you in solidarity,” he wrote. “We have observed your leadership of the Board over the years and found you exemplary in all ways. So, we encourage you to continue on the path of industry, honour and professionalism, for which you are widely known.”
He concluded the letter with a prayer: “It is our prayer that God continues to guide and direct your endeavours. While wishing you continued strength and God’s wisdom at all times, please accept our best regards.”
While the 2025 UTME saga continues to unravel, voices like that of Dr. Abiodun Oluseye offer a sobering counter-narrative — one that reminds Nigerians that even in failure, there can be dignity, and in crisis, an opportunity to show true leadership. For now, Prof. Oloyede may be walking through fire, but he’s not walking alone.
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