President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed 39 year old Professor Segun Aina as the new JAMB Registrar succeeding the tenure of Professor Ishaq Oloyede. This came as a shock to many while others are curious about his background, qualifications, and career.
Who is Professor Segun Aina? Nigeria’s Youngest JAMB Registrar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He will succeed Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose tenure ends on July 31, 2026. Professor Aina assumes office on August 1, 2026.
At just 39 years old (turning 40 in July 2026), Aina becomes the youngest person ever to become registrar in history of JAMB.
This appointment of the new JAMB registrar has drawn widespread attention as a bold move emphasizing youth, technical expertise, and institutional knowledge in one of Nigeria’s most important examination body.
New JAMB Registrar: Early Life and Academic Excellence
The new JAMB registrar Professor Segun Aina showed strong academic promise from a young age. He pursued his higher education in the United Kingdom, building a solid foundation in computer engineering and related fields:
- B.Eng. (Hons.) in Computer Systems Engineering (2008) – University of Kent
- M.Sc. in Internet Computing and Network Security (2009) – Loughborough University
- Ph.D. in Digital Signal Processing (2015) – Loughborough University
He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School, enhancing his leadership and administrative skills for high-level public service roles.
His decision to return to Nigeria after international training reflects a strong commitment to contributing to national development through education and technology.
Professor Segun Aina: Academic Career at Obafemi Awolowo University
Professor Aina is a Professor of Computer Engineering in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Faculty of Technology, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The new JAMB registrar achieved this rank at age 39, making him one of Nigeria’s youngest professors in Computer Engineering. His research interests span cutting-edge areas:
- Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
He has authored or co-authored approximately 23–30 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers. Topics include deep learning applications, facial image processing, IoT security, and digital signal processing systems.
He teaches core courses such as Computer Architecture, Digital Signal Processing Systems, and Computer-Based Real-Time Systems. Beyond teaching and research, Aina has held several departmental and faculty leadership positions.
He served on accreditation committees, conference planning teams, and contributed to academic governance, including membership on the pioneer Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI).
Professional Experience and CBT Contributions
Professor Aina, the new JAMB registrar, started his journey with JAMB as far back as 2010. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2010, he served as a Computer Systems Engineer/Analyst at the board.
This early role provided him with direct insight into national admissions processes and data management. JAMB has publicly stated that Professor Segun Aina played a key role in the formative stages of introducing the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system.
His contributions helped transform examination delivery in Nigeria, significantly improving security, reducing malpractice, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring greater fairness for millions of candidates.
He has consulted for other major examination bodies, including:
- National Examinations Council (NECO)
- National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)
He has advised federal and state ministries of education on ICT infrastructure, examination integrity, digital transition, and institutional reforms.
With over 15 years of post-graduate experience, Professor Segun Aina blends an academic strength with practical systems engineering expertise.
He is a registered engineer with COREN and holds memberships in:
- Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
- Nigerian Computer Society (NCS)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
The new JAMB registrar co-founded an IT services company and has worked on technology projects for government offices, focusing on job creation and digital infrastructure.
Professor Segun Aina and Selection Process for JAMB Registrars
Professor Aina’s impact is evident in both academia and public examination systems. His early involvement in CBT laid groundwork for the modern, digitized UTME CBT process used today.
At OAU, his research and teaching have influenced a new generation of engineers while advancing applied technology solutions relevant to national challenges like examination security and data integrity.
JAMB registrars are typically appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, often based on recommendations from the education ministry and board leadership. The process emphasizes candidates with proven expertise in education, administration, and increasingly, technology.
This makes Professor Segun Aina’s appointment as new JAMB Registrar not so surprising. His direct prior experience at JAMB, combined with consultations for NECO and NABTEB, and his professorial status in a relevant field, align perfectly with the evolving needs of the institution.
Challenges and Future Outlook as New JAMB Registrar
As new JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina will manage one of Nigeria’s most important education processes, handling millions of candidates annually.
Key expectations include building on previous reforms by strengthening digital infrastructure, minimizing system downtimes, leveraging AI for better security, and improving accessibility for candidates in underserved regions.
His background in network security, data science, and examination technology positions him strongly to address ongoing challenges like malpractice and process efficiency.
FAQ: Quick Answers About New JAMB Registrar
Q: Who is Professor Segun Aina?
A: Professor Segun Aina is a 39-year-old Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) recently appointed as the new JAMB Registrar.
Q: How old is the new JAMB Registrar?
A: He is currently 39 years old and will turn 40 in July 2026, making him the youngest JAMB Registrar in history.
Q: What is Professor Segun Aina known for?
A: He is known for his key contributions to the introduction of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system in Nigeria and his expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and examination technology.
Q: When will the new JAMB Registrar resume office?
A: He will officially assume office as JAMB Registrar on August 1, 2026.
Check out our other posts on current JAMB trends.
JAMB Change of Course and Institution 2026 Now Open: Full Guide for UTME Candidates
A New Era of Technological Leadership at JAMB
Professor Segun Aina’s appointment as new JAMB Registrar marks a significant step toward technology-driven excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system.
From his NYSC days at JAMB to leading the board, his career demonstrates how deep expertise and dedication can create national impact. His story offers valuable lessons in persistence, competence, and the value of bridging academia with practical public service.
As he takes office in August 2026, we will definitely monitor how his leadership shapes the future of UTME and beyond.
