*Photo: Professor Ishaq Oloyede *
Prominent Nigerians have extolled the virtues of Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as he clocks 70 years on Thursday, 10th, October 2024.
The prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu; Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to Britain; Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN, and others commended Oloyede for his selfless service to the nation and humanity.
President Tinubu in a statement titled Uncommon Scholar, Exceptional Administrator: My Tribute To Prof Oloyede At 70 said “As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
“As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
“His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
“Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
“Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
“Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
“In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
“I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
“The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
“On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
“I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.”
Ambassador Isola on his part described Professor Oloyede as a pride to his hometown, Abeokuta; Nigeria and Africa.
The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development spoke on Wednesday, 9th October, 2024 at the University of Ilorin Auditorium, after Prof Oloyede had delivered a lecture on Artificial Intelligence And The Future Of The Humanities.
Ambassador Isola conveyed the goodwill of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III to the JAMB Registrar and said Nigerians need more of his kind for the nation to attain greatness.
On his part, Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN described Prof Oloyede, who is also the Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)as an iconic personality whose contribution straddles academic, religion and public service.
A former Editor of The Punch, Alhaji Nojim Jimoh said Prof Oloyede as a special gift to Nigeria who has continued to impact positively in the lives of the citizenry.
The lecture by Prof Oloyede, the latest in The University of Ilorin Lecturers, was attended by many Vice-Chancellors from Nigeria universities and other prominent personalities.
