President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), marking a major leadership transition in Nigeria’s tertiary education admission body.
Professor Aina is expected to succeed Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose second term as JAMB Registrar is set to expire on July 31, 2026.
The appointment places Aina in position to become one of the youngest individuals ever to lead the examination body, as well as the youngest registrar in JAMB’s history.
Aina, who will turn 40 in July, is widely recognised as an accomplished academic and systems expert with a strong background in digital infrastructure, examination technology, and public-sector reform.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom, followed by a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security, as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.
He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at the Lagos Business School, further strengthening his expertise in leadership and institutional management.
Currently a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aina began his early professional journey with JAMB during his National Youth Service, where he gained exposure to the workings of Nigeria’s national admissions system.
Over the years, he has built a reputation in digital systems optimisation, examination integrity, and technology-driven institutional reform, contributing to improvements in public examination processes.
With more than 15 years of post-graduate professional experience, Aina has worked across academia, policy advisory, and government consultancy roles, focusing on digital transformation and systems design.
He has also advised several government institutions at both federal and state levels on ICT integration and operational reforms.
At just 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering, and his latest appointment further highlights his rapid rise in academia and public administration.
Professor Aina has also served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and various state education ministries.
He is affiliated with several professional organisations, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
A statement issued by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, noted that President Tinubu expects the new JAMB Registrar to build on the achievements of his predecessor while leveraging his expertise to further modernise the examination body.
According to the statement, the administration is confident that Aina’s experience in technology and systems management will strengthen JAMB’s operations and improve efficiency in Nigeria’s admission processes.
What you should know
Professor Segun Aina is a Nigerian academic and computer engineering expert known for his work in digital systems, examination technology, and institutional reform.
He previously worked with JAMB during his National Youth Service and has since built a strong academic career at Obafemi Awolowo University. His appointment as JAMB Registrar by President Bola Tinubu positions him as one of the youngest leaders ever to head the examination body.
The role is significant because JAMB plays a central part in Nigeria’s tertiary education admissions system, handling millions of candidates annually.
His background suggests a strong focus on digital transformation and modernization of examination processes.
