Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, OFR, is an accomplished scholar, seasoned administrator, and reform-driven public servant who currently serves as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Born in October 1954 in Ogun State, the erudite professor has spent decades shaping Nigeria’s academic landscape, promoting educational reform, and fostering inter-religious understanding both nationally and across the African continent.
Education and Academic Background
Prof. Oloyede’s journey into scholarship began at the Progressive Institute in Agege, Lagos (1969–1973), followed by rigorous training at the Arabic Training Centre (Markaz), also in Agege, from 1973 to 1976. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan in 1977, where he obtained a certificate in Arabic and Islamic Studies. His academic pursuits continued at the University of Ilorin, where he earned a BA in Arabic Language and Literature in 1981, an MA in Islamic Studies in 1985, and a PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence in 1991.
Career and Public Service
Starting as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Ilorin in 1982, Prof. Oloyede rose through the ranks to become a professor in 1995. His expertise and administrative prowess have seen him serve in various high-profile academic and national positions. Notably, he was Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 2007 to 2012, a period marked by significant infrastructural development and academic stability.
He also served as Chairman of the Committee of Directors of Academic Planning in Nigerian Universities (2002–2004) and President of the Association of African Universities (2004–2011). His global footprint includes a stint as Deputy Chairman of the Governing Board of the International Association of Universities (2008–2011), further cementing his reputation as a scholar of international repute.
Beyond academia, Prof. Oloyede has played a critical role in national development. He was Co-Secretary of the 2005 National Political Reform Conference, National Coordinator and Executive Secretary of the National Inter–Religious Council (NIREC) in 2007, and Chairman of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities in 2011. He has also served as Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Association of West African Universities (AWAU).
In 2015, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Fountain University, Osogbo.
Reforms at JAMB
Since his appointment as Registrar of JAMB in 2016, Prof. Oloyede has transformed the institution, implementing far-reaching reforms that drastically curbed corruption, increased transparency, and improved operational efficiency. Under his leadership, JAMB has remitted unprecedented revenues to the federal government and introduced innovative technologies to streamline the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Awards and Recognition
Prof. Oloyede’s contributions to education and national service have earned him numerous awards and honours, including:
Arab League Prize for Best Final Year Certificate Student in Islamic Studies (1977)
Federal Government Undergraduate Merit Award (1981)
Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) — 2014
National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) — 2019
Integrity Public Servant Personality of the Year — 2021
Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) — 2022
Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (Education Category) — 2022
Icon of Education Transformation and Peace — 2023
Legacy
At 70, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede remains one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in education and public service. A man of deep intellect, integrity, and vision, his legacy is anchored in service, reform, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Nigerian society through education.
