By 
By Osasome C.O
New JAMB Registrar Unveils Technology-Driven Roadmap to Build Trust, Reduce Candidate Trauma and Modernise Admissions
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set for another phase of digital transformation following the assumption of office by its new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, who has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic roadmap designed to simplify Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process, strengthen institutional integrity and restore public confidence through technology-driven reforms.
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Tagged “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” the development agenda covers the period from 2026 to 2031 and introduces a comprehensive framework known as Project 2:5:7, built around two strategic objectives, five institutional pillars and seven flagship initiatives aimed at transforming JAMB into Africa’s most trusted and digitally advanced admissions institution.
The roadmap also signals continuity, as Prof. Aina has pledged to consolidate the reforms introduced during the tenure of his predecessor, Professor Is-haq Oloyede. At the same time, he is committed to introducing new digital systems capable of eliminating longstanding bottlenecks. These persistent challenges have long frustrated candidates, parents, and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Technology Takes Centre Stage in JAMB’s Next Growth Phase
As a Professor of Computer Engineering, Aina is placing technology at the heart of institutional reforms.
According to him, the Board’s immediate priorities include simplifying admission procedures, and improving communication with candidates. It will also focus on deploying cutting-edge digital technologies to deliver faster, more transparent and stress-free services.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, Aina described his appointment as both “a homecoming and a solemn responsibility,” assuring Nigerians that fairness, transparency and integrity would remain the guiding principles of the Board.
“Every registration represents the aspirations of a young Nigerian and the sacrifices of parents and guardians,” he said.
Project 2:5:7: The Blueprint for Institutional Transformation
At the centre of the new strategy is Project 2:5:7, a governance model designed to strengthen institutional resilience beyond individual leadership.
The framework rests on five enduring pillars:
Integrity
Embedding international best practices to improve accountability, transparency and institutional credibility.
Service Excellence
Delivering faster, more responsive and user-friendly services through improved stakeholder engagement.
Good Governance
Building transparent institutional systems capable of sustaining reforms beyond successive administrations.
Technology
Expanding automation and digital infrastructure to minimise operational errors and improve service delivery.
Strategic Partnerships
Deepening collaboration with financial institutions, technology companies and education stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s admissions ecosystem.
Seven Flagship Digital Reforms
To translate the vision into measurable outcomes, the new Registrar outlined seven major technology-focused initiatives.
Among them are:
- Independent review of JAMB’s existing technology infrastructure to eliminate system vulnerabilities.
- Implementation of ISO 27001 Information Security Certification to strengthen cybersecurity and protect candidate records.
- Development of a unified JAMB mobile application.
- Establishment of a centralized customer service platform.
- Full transition to paperless enterprise administration.
- Strategic communication and institutional brand repositioning.
- Enhanced staff welfare and continuous capacity development.
Collectively, these reforms are expected to modernise JAMB’s operations while improving operational efficiency and candidate experience nationwide.
What the Reforms Mean for Millions of UTME Candidates
Perhaps the most immediate impact of the new strategy will be felt by candidates preparing for future Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exercises.
One of the most anticipated initiatives is the planned Unified JAMB Mobile Application, which will allow candidates to complete registration, receive notifications, monitor admissions and manage profiles directly from their mobile devices without relying heavily on cybercafés or repeated visits to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The proposed centralized customer support platform is also expected to significantly reduce delays in correcting registration errors and resolving candidate complaints.
Beyond convenience, JAMB plans to deploy advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance admission transparency, strengthen merit-based placement and improve examination integrity while reinforcing cybersecurity against identity theft and digital fraud.
Higher Standards Await CBT Centres
The reforms also signal stricter regulatory oversight for accredited Computer-Based Test centres.
Under the new framework, centres will face tougher technology audits, stronger cybersecurity requirements and more rigorous compliance standards aligned with ISO 27001 certification objectives.
JAMB also plans an intensified crackdown on technology-enabled examination malpractice, including biometric manipulation, AI-assisted impersonation and unauthorized system intrusions.
Centres found compromising examination integrity risk losing accreditation, and possible criminal prosecution.
The Board’s transition to a fully paperless enterprise system is equally expected to streamline interactions between CBT centres and JAMB through automated digital workflows.
Building on Previous Reforms While Addressing Legacy Challenges
Aina’s agenda comes against the backdrop of significant reforms introduced under former Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose administration tackled longstanding operational weaknesses, improved financial accountability and strengthened examination integrity.
However, the new administration acknowledges that challenges persist, including evolving cybersecurity threats, infrastructure resilience, system scalability and the growing sophistication of digital examination fraud.
The roadmap therefore seeks to move public confidence away from dependence on individual leadership toward strong institutional systems capable of delivering consistent transparency, automation and accountability.
A Digital Vision for Africa’s Leading Admissions Institution
If successfully implemented, the JAMB 2031 strategy has the potential to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s tertiary admissions ecosystem. This transformation would be driven by a synergy of digital innovation, robust institutional governance, and customer-focused service delivery.
The initiative integrates mobile-first services, stronger cybersecurity, automated operations, and improved stakeholder engagement. It directly reflects Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda for the public sector. By doing so, it positions JAMB as a benchmark for technology-enabled reform across Africa.
