Opinion: We need more Ishaq Oloyedes in our system

By Olalekan Shoyinka

In a country where public accountability often takes a back seat to denial, evasion, or outright silence, the recent conduct of the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, stands out as a breath of fresh air. When faced with the technical glitches that marred parts of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Prof. Oloyede did not deflect blame or hide behind bureaucratic shields. Instead, he owned the shortcomings, explained them transparently to the public, and took responsibility with grace and sincerity.

Such behavior is rare in Nigeria’s public sector, and that rarity is precisely the problem. We should not have to applaud honesty—it should be expected. But in today’s Nigeria, where many public officials routinely sidestep responsibility, Prof. Oloyede’s action is both commendable and instructive. It has not only restored hope among affected candidates but also reinforced public confidence in a critical institution.

This kind of leadership—humble, accountable, and forward-looking—is exactly what we need in other sectors of our national life, especially in our electoral institutions. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the various State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) must take a page from Prof. Oloyede’s playbook. Our elections, often fraught with controversy, opacity, and mistrust, can only improve if electoral officers begin to see themselves as stewards of public trust rather than partisan appointees.

We cannot afford to continue this cycle of denials and excuses, especially when the stakes are the future of our democracy. If Nigeria is to advance, then the culture of accountability must become the norm, not the exception. Our institutions need men and women who fear the Almighty, who care deeply about the consequences of their actions, and who understand that leadership is a trust—not a ticket to impunity.

Nigeria needs more Ishaq Oloyedés—principled leaders who are not afraid to admit fault, correct it, and rebuild public trust. May Almighty Allah bless his sincere heart and conscience. And may his example inspire a new standard of public service in Nigeria.

Olalekan Shoyinka is a broadcast journalist based in Abeokuta.

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