The Muslim Congress (TMC) stands in firm solidarity with Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), following his exemplary display of leadership, transparency and accountability in addressing the technical challenges that affected the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a nation where institutional failures are often met with denial, deflection or blame-shifting, Prof. Oloyede’s swift and decisive response to the operational issues, which impacted the results of 379,997 candidates across 157 centers, serves as a beacon of integrity in public service. Rather than downplaying the situation, he initiated an independent and professional investigation, acknowledged the shortcomings and implemented immediate corrective measures, including scheduling retakes for affected candidates between May 16 and 19, 2025.
This incident further underscores Prof. Oloyede’s longstanding reputation as a reform-driven and accountable public servant. His tenure at JAMB has been marked by transformative policies, improved examination processes and a relentless pursuit of credibility in Nigeria’s educational system. His actions in this matter align with his well-documented commitment to excellence and the public good. His rare demonstration of humility and responsibility aligns with the Islamic principles of Amanah (trustworthiness) and Mas’uliyyah (accountability), which demand that leaders uphold justice and rectify wrongs.
It is, however, unfortunate that a vocal minority, rather than engaging in productive discourse on systemic improvements, has resorted to baseless calls for Prof. Oloyede’s resignation. Such demands are not only unjust but counterproductive. They punish transparency, discourage future leaders from admitting mistakes and undermine the very progress Nigeria desperately needs. Leadership is not about infallibility but about the courage to confront challenges, the wisdom to seek solutions and the integrity to take responsibility, all of which Prof. Oloyede has clearly demonstrated.
The Muslim Congress urges the public and stakeholders to recognize and commend his efforts, while channeling energy toward constructive engagement with institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s educational system. We call on all Nigerians to reject the culture of undue vilification and instead support leaders who demonstrate accountability, as this is the foundation of national development.
We strongly appeal to parents and students that this is an honest mistake made in the course of instituting excellence in the selection of our best students for tertiary education and that rewriting the examination is a sacrifice that we should humbly embrace in the course of the nation’s much-needed development. We also extend our best wishes to all affected students as they prepare for the retake, trusting they will approach this opportunity with renewed confidence and emerge successful with outstanding results.
May Allah (SWT) continue to guide our leaders and grant them the wisdom to uphold justice and accountability in service to the nation. May the citizens also be endowed with patience and discernment to navigate issues for the nation’s greater good.
Alhaji AbdulWasi’I Taiwo Bangbala,
Amir, The Muslim Congress