I’m proud of Oloyede, says President Tinubu

I’m proud of Oloyede, says President Tinubu

The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has paid a special tribute to a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and current Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, on the occasion of his 70th birthday last Thursday (October 10, 2024).

In a statement released last Wednesday (October 9, 2024), President Tinubu, who said that he was very proud of the renowned scholar, described Prof. Oloyede as an astute administrator, educator, and author.

The President pointed out that the contributions of Prof. Oloyede to national development through the academia and public-sector administration are not only invaluable but have significantly impacted the academic community.

He said that Prof. Oloyede’s impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin between 2007 and 2012, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations, helped the institution to attain enviable heights.

The President said that through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof. Oloyede imparted knowledge and character in thousands of students who benefited from his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career at the University of Ilorin.

“Since the bedrock of development lies in education”, President Tinubu explained that “developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede”, saying that his selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.

He added, “Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB”, which saw him pioneering and sustaining a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.

President Tinubu said that Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service, adding that he has also raised the bar in administration and management.

The President said that he was very proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments as he said that 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.

He, therefore, joined members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who he said has, in words and deeds, done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.

President Tinubu then prayed Almighty Allah to continue to honour the distinguished Professor with health, wisdom, and strength to serve the nation for many more years.

Prof. Oloyede, an indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, was born on October 10, 1954. He had his early education in Lagos.

This renowned academic and seasoned administrator was subsequently admitted into the University of Ilorin in 1978. He graduated from the University in 1981 with a First Class degree in Arabic. He also earned his subsequent degrees from the same University.

Upon his graduation, Prof. Oloyede joined the services of the University as a Graduate Assistant. He became a Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence at the University in 1995.

Having held so many appointments in the services of the institution, Prof. Oloyede was appointed as the 8th Vice Chancellor in 2007. He is the first alumnus of the University to hold the enviable position from 2007 to 2012. His tenure witnessed so many phenomenal developments.