In a recent interview with newsmen , Prof. Isa’aq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), issued a stern warning to parents regarding their interference in examination processes.
Reflecting on a significant scandal involving result forgery by a candidate named Mmesoma Ejikeme in 2023, Oloyede says that there are no lessons to be gleaned from the incident as JAMB adhered to its procedures flawlessly.
He suggested that the true lessons lie in the scepticism directed towards JAMB’s integrity and the hasty judgements made without verification.
Oloyede expressed gratitude to the Senate President for his leadership in ensuring fair investigation processes. He criticised what he perceives as a prevalent tendency in Nigeria to favour the underdog and mistrust institutions like JAMB, highlighting what he views as a skewed understanding of justice in the country.
In discussing the behaviour of Nigerian parents concerning their children’s education, Prof. Isa’aq Oloyede emphasised the propensity of some parents to unjustly interfere, manipulate the system, and hold unrealistic expectations regarding their children’s academic performance.
Oloyede stressed the necessity for parents to consider the broader context of their child’s performance and not solely their personal aspirations.
He cited instances where parents disrupted examination processes due to perceived injustices, resulting in sanctions against both the parents and their children.
Oloyede also commented on the recent kidnapping of 280 students in Kaduna, urging immediate attention to resolving the crisis before addressing its implications for the education sector.