By: Abdul-Ganiyy Raji
I watched my dear Professor Oloyede yesterday overtaken by his emotions while addressing the technical glitches that rocked some centres during the recently concluded 2025 UTME. Our sympathy goes to the affected candidates and their parents.
Professor Oloyede shed tears in public. I was also moved to tears. I saw Professor Oloyede shed tears for the first time. You know what it means for a man like Professor Oloyede to shed tears in public. The matter must be a serious one. Oloyede is a resounding embodiment of bravery, fearlessness, manliness, meticulousness, diligence and excellence. Oloeyde is not one who flees from challenges. In fact, people run to him for solutions to their challenges. Oloyede is an audacious man. Imagine a man like him shedding tears in public.
I am utterly disappointed that despite his public apology, some individuals have still not seen any reason to forgive him and let him off their hooks. These people are still criticising him on social media even after he betrayed his emotions on a live programme and tendered an apology.
Wait a minute! Is there a perfect system anywhere in this world? Have we not seen and read about government agencies that floundered and fluttered in the UK, the USA, Canada, France and other advanced countries? Is Professor Oloyede an angel who must not make mistakes? Is he superhuman? Is he God? I don’t understand the unending social media criticism? What is Professor Oloyede’s Offence?
This man has successfully run UTME for years and he has proven to be a worthy public servant. Why are you criticising him as if he had consistently failed? Oloyede has been nothing but an outstanding servant of this nation. Some of us can’t wait for his autobiography. We will have a lot to learn from him. He is a public servant nonpareil and a leader extraordinaire.
Many of those who are criticizing Oloyede do not know him. Many are criticizing him out of envy. Oloyede is an asset to this nation and to humanity at large. We had better appreciate him while he’s still alive.
What exactly is his offence?
His offence is his dedication to excellence. His offence is his aversion for examination malpractice. His offence is changing the face of UTME. His offence is that a Professor of Islamic Studies is recording unprecedented success as a JAMB registrar. His offence is his love for diligence and discipline. His offence is his refusal to comprise personal principles. His offence is his distate for official corruption. For some people, his offence is the faith that he professes. For others, his offence is the tribe that he belongs to.
Oloyede is a beautiful soul. Oloyede is a lovely human being. A single mistake will not make us hate him. We love what he has done as public servant.
Those who think they can break him by exaggerating this mistake should know that they have failed. Oloyede remains a much believed man. Muslims, Christians, and even traditional worshipers love him. He is loved across religious lines.
Those who value the progress of this nation will protect honest public servants like Oloyede. If a man like Oloyede is not protected, then this nation is finished.
Dear Professor Oloyede,
Be strong. Hold your head up. You have done well. This is just a phase, you will overcome it. No matter what anybody says, you can always find solace in the millions of Nigerians and non-Nigerians who appreciate what you are doing and love you.
Our sympathy goes to the candidates affected by the technical glitches and their parents. You can trust Professor Oloyede to address your concerns.
Dear Professor Oloyede,
We stand with you.
