President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, signaling a renewed push toward digital transformation and institutional reform in Nigeria’s education sector.
Professor Aina will succeed Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose second and final tenure ends on July 31, 2026.
The appointment places one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering at the helm of the country’s central tertiary admissions agency, which oversees university entrance examinations for millions of students annually.
The Presidency described Aina as a systems expert with extensive experience in digital infrastructure, examination administration, and public-sector reform.
Aina earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, followed by postgraduate degrees in Internet Computing, Network Security, and Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.
He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.
Currently a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Aina has built a reputation in technology-driven institutional reform and digital systems optimisation.
At 40, Professor Aina is set to become the youngest registrar in the history of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
He previously worked with JAMB during his National Youth Service, an experience the Presidency said provided him with foundational insights into Nigeria’s admissions and examination systems.
Over the past 15 years, Aina has advised federal and state governments on digital transformation, systems design, and public-sector operational reform.
He has also consulted for major examination bodies including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board on ICT integration, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.
Implications for Nigeria’s Education Sector
The appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is under increasing pressure to modernise examination systems, improve transparency, reduce malpractice, and strengthen digital infrastructure across its education sector.
Analysts say Aina’s technology background could accelerate reforms in computer-based testing, admissions management, cybersecurity, and data administration within JAMB.
Nigeria’s education technology ecosystem has expanded rapidly in recent years, with policymakers placing greater emphasis on digital learning, automation, and technology-driven governance reforms to support the country’s growing youth population.
Tinubu Seeks Continuity and Innovation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he expects Professor Aina to build on the institutional gains achieved under Professor Oloyede’s administration while introducing fresh innovation and operational efficiency.
Aina is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology