A legal luminary and 1st Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Prof. Yusuf Alli (SAN), has expressed admiration for the leadership quality of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Ishaq Oloyede, in the aftermath of the recent challenges faced during the 2025 UTME by the examination body.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to TheIdeal News on Saturday, Alli noted that Oloyede’s response to the crisis—admitting mistakes, taking full responsibility, and showing genuine empathy for the affected candidates—was a rare and commendable act in the Nigerian public service.
The Senior Advocate further emphasized that Oloyede’s acknowledgment of flaws demonstrated his recognition of the fallibility of all human beings, while also reaffirming that perfection belongs solely to Allah.
According to the legal icon, Oloyede’s transparent, honest, and human approach stands out in a society where public officials often shy away from accountability.
He said, “We, who have had the privilege of knowing Prof. Oloyede closely, can attest to his relentless commitment, often working long hours, including late nights in preparation for these examinations. He routinely visits JAMB offices across Nigeria months before exams, ensuring everything runs smoothly,”
The relationship between the two is personal, with Prof. Alli revealing that he and Prof. Oloyede have been friends for nearly 50 years, saying that . “It is important to disclose our long-standing friendship so that no one questions the sincerity of this statement. I can swear with the Holy Quran that Prof. Oloyede is a man of unparalleled honesty, integrity, and transparency.”
Alli also addressed the technical issues that affected the 2025 UTME , particularly in the South East and Lagos, causing significant disruptions for approximately 300,000 candidates, saying that the development underscored that these challenges were caused by third-party technical glitches, not by any fault of Oloyede or JAMB directly.
Faulting some critics call for Oloyede’s resignation, Alli defended his decision to remain at the helm of JAMB, insisting that leadership involves standing by one’s people during crises.
He said, “No responsible leader abandons ship in the face of adversity. The incident occurred under his leadership, and it is only right that he stays to resolve the situation.”
The legal luminary concluded by reaffirming his faith in Oloyede’s leadership, recalling his past successes in public service, saying that “Prof. Oloyede has excelled in every assignment he has undertaken. With God’s guidance, his tenure at JAMB will continue to be marked by integrity, dedication, and national service.”
JAMB Registrar’s Honesty in Crisis a ‘Rare Act of Leadership’—Prof. Ali
, has expressed admiration for the leadership quality){kind=link}