The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Segun Aina, has pledged to make the protection of the examination body’s integrity his foremost priority in office.

The professor of computer engineering spoke on Friday during a formal handover ceremony at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.

He said that integrity remains the cornerstone of any credible institution, warning that technological advancement and operational efficiency lose their value when not anchored on trust and transparency.

“Ladies and gentlemen, trust is not built by speeches; it is built by decisions, by the choices we make when no one is watching, by the standards we refuse to compromise and by the value that every Nigerian can place in the fairness of this institution,” Aina said.

“That is why the first commitment of my stewardship is simple: we shall protect the integrity of JAMB with everything the law permits. Integrity is not merely one of our values; it is the foundation upon which every other achievement rests. Without integrity, technology becomes a tool for manipulation; without integrity, efficiency loses its meaning; without integrity, public confidence disappears.

The new registrar signalled a hardline stance against examination malpractice and admission-related fraud, declaring that his administration would leave no room for individuals or groups seeking to undermine the credibility of the nation’s tertiary admission process.

He warned operators of examination malpractice rings, impersonators, certificate forgers, cybercriminals and corrupt officials that JAMB would intensify efforts to expose and prosecute offenders through a combination of technology, intelligence gathering and stronger institutional oversight.

Aina said the Board would strengthen collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to combat emerging forms of examination fraud, while adopting global best practices to safeguard its systems against abuse.

He noted that every admission obtained through dishonest means deprives a qualified candidate of a legitimate opportunity, stressing that JAMB would remain uncompromising in its commitment to fairness and merit.

Beyond tackling malpractice, the registrar outlined plans to improve service delivery and make the Board more responsive to the needs of candidates, parents and educational institutions.

He pledged to simplify procedures, enhance communication channels and deploy technology to improve efficiency, with a view to reducing the anxiety often associated with examination registration, admissions and other JAMB services.

Aina said his vision is to build a more transparent, accessible and citizen-focused institution where users receive timely information and professional support.

According to him, candidates and parents should experience confidence rather than frustration whenever they interact with the Board.

The registrar described JAMB as an institution that plays a critical role in shaping the future of millions of young Nigerians by providing access to higher education and opportunities for advancement.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the agency, pledging to justify the confidence placed in him through diligent service and unwavering commitment to the public interest.

Aina also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and pledged to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education in advancing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.

He paid tribute to past leaders of the Board, including pioneer Registrar Michael Saidu Angulu, Mohammed Abubakar, Bello Salim, Dibu Ojerinde and his immediate predecessor, Is-haq Oloyede, whose contributions he said helped shape JAMB into one of Nigeria’s most respected public institutions.

He reserved special praise for Oloyede, commending his leadership, reform initiatives and efforts to strengthen public confidence in the Board over the past years.

Aina noted that the smooth transition process reflected a culture of institutional continuity and professionalism, adding that effective leadership is measured not only by achievements in office but also by the ability to prepare successors for sustained progress.

In a personal reflection, the new registrar described his appointment as a full-circle moment, recalling that he once served at JAMB as a National Youth Service Corps member nearly two decades ago.

He said returning to lead the institution was both humbling and inspiring, and pledged to build on its achievements while positioning it to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving educational landscape.