Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with the appointment taking effect after the tenure of Professor Is-haq Oloyede expires on July 31, 2026.
Below are eleven key things to know about the new JAMB chief:
1. His journey with JAMB started as a corps member
His first exposure to the board came during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, where he worked within JAMB and gained early experience in Nigeria’s admissions administration system.
2. He is a professor of Computer Engineering
Aina currently serves as a Professor of Computer Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions.
3. He made history as one of Nigeria’s youngest professors
At just 39 years old, he attained the rank of professor in engineering, placing him among the youngest to reach that academic level in the country.
4. His academic foundation was built in the UK
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent.
5. He holds advanced degrees from Loughborough University
He later obtained both a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University, United Kingdom.
6. He is expected to turn 40 in July 2026
Despite his new national assignment, Aina remains relatively young in public administration, with his 40th birthday approaching in mid-2026.
7. He has worked with Nigeria’s major examination bodies
Beyond JAMB, he has consulted for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), focusing on ICT systems and examination integrity.
8. He combines academia, consultancy, and entrepreneurship
Aina has advised federal and state governments on digital transformation and policy systems, and he also co-founded Fluid Click Solutions Ltd in 2010, an IT and engineering project management company.
9. He is professionally active and has a strong academic profile
He is a member of several professional bodies in engineering and ICT, has authored about 30 peer-reviewed papers, and is married to Mrs Funmilayo Aina, a union blessed with children, reflecting a balance between his professional and personal life.
10. Prof. Aina hails from Otan Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, where he is a community leader
11. His father, Emeritus Professor Olu Aina, was the pioneer Registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board
His appointment is widely seen as a blend of academic excellence, technological expertise, and hands-on institutional experience within Nigeria’s education and examination ecosystem.
