The new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina, has unveiled an ambitious five-year reform agenda that promises to reshape how Nigeria’s admissions body operates.

Branded “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” the roadmap seeks to modernise the Board through digital technology, stronger governance and improved customer service while reducing the stress associated with university admissions.

Speaking on Monday, during his first official briefing since assuming office as JAMB Registrar last Friday, the Professor of Computer Engineering explained that the reform programme would rest on five strategic pillars—Integrity, Service, Governance, Technology and Partnerships.

Here are the major innovations that candidates, parents and tertiary institutions should expect over the next five years:

1. A unified JAMB mobile application

Perhaps the most visible reform is the planned launch of a comprehensive JAMB mobile application.

Rather than relying on multiple portals and physical visits to accredited centres for some services, candidates are expected to access many JAMB services through a single app. This could include registration support, profile management, examination updates, admission tracking, notifications and other candidate services from mobile devices.

The app is expected to improve accessibility and reduce delays in accessing JAMB services.

2. Paperless administration

JAMB plans to migrate its internal operations to a fully paperless enterprise-wide digital administration system.

The initiative is expected to reduce bureaucracy, speed up internal processes, improve record management and cut operational costs while making decision-making faster and more transparent.

It also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader push towards digital governance.

3. Artificial Intelligence and data analytics

For the first time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics will become central to JAMB’s operations.

According to Aina, AI-powered systems will support decision-making, improve service delivery, strengthen operational efficiency and help the Board respond more quickly to emerging challenges.

The expanded use of technology could also enhance examination security, planning and data-driven policy decisions.

4. Independent technology audit

One of the first reforms will be a comprehensive independent review of JAMB’s technology infrastructure.

The audit is expected to identify weaknesses in the Board’s digital systems, improve cybersecurity, enhance system reliability and ensure that technology keeps pace with the increasing number of candidates sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

5. ISO 27001 information security certification

JAMB plans to obtain ISO 27001 certification, the globally recognised standard for information security management.

If achieved, it would strengthen the protection of candidates’ personal data, improve cybersecurity and reinforce public confidence in the integrity of JAMB’s digital platforms.

6. A unified customer service platform

Candidates frequently complain about difficulties in obtaining information or resolving admission and examination-related issues.

To address this, Aina plans to establish a centralised customer service platform that will provide faster responses, better communication and more efficient handling of complaints from candidates, parents and tertiary institutions.

The objective Is to reduce what the Registrar describes as “admission trauma” by making interactions with JAMB simpler and more responsive.

7. Stronger communication and institutional branding

The Board also intends to overhaul its communication strategy through strategic brand repositioning.

This includes more proactive engagement with stakeholders, clearer public communication and improved dissemination of information to reduce misinformation and confusion during admission exercises.

Beyond technology

While technology dominates the reform agenda, Aina insists the transformation will be driven by people as much as digital tools.

His administration plans to invest in staff welfare, professional development and capacity building to improve productivity and service delivery across the organisation.

The five-year roadmap is built on five strategic pillars—Integrity, Service, Governance, Technology and Partnerships—which the Registrar believes will strengthen JAMB’s credibility and institutional resilience.

Why it matters

The reforms come at a time when Nigeria’s admission system is under enormous pressure. Between 2021 and 2025, more than 10 million candidates sat the UTME, but only about 3.5 million secured admission into tertiary institutions, leaving millions without placement despite meeting basic admission requirements.

By simplifying processes, expanding digital services, strengthening data security and improving communication, Aina hopes to reduce the anxiety associated with admissions while positioning JAMB as Africa’s leading technology-driven examination and admissions agency.

Whether the reforms achieve that ambition will become clearer over the next five years as the Board begins implementing its “JAMB 2031” agenda. (The Guardian)

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