President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid tribute to the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, as he turns 70 today.
Tinubu described Oloyede as an astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, saying Nigeria needs more people like him.
The President maintained that Nigeria owed the professor gratitude for JAMB’s contribution to the national treasury.
As a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Tinubu said Oloyede’s contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration had significantly impacted the academic community.
“His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
“Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career,” the President said in a statement.
“Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education,” Tinubu said, adding that “Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.”
Tinubu said Oloyede pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations at JAMB that made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
He stated that in his eight years of stewardship at the board, so far, Oloyede had demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service.
“I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments. The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
“On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion,” the statement added.
In January, Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed that Oloyede is the first Registrar of JAMB to have made over N50bn for the Federal Government within a year.
The VP, who represented President Tinubu, disclosed this while speaking during a public engagement forum organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Shettima said, “One person I always respect is Prof Ishaq Oloyede. Over the years, JAMB never made up to $1m for the Federal Government.
“However, when Prof Oloyede assumed office, JAMB made over ₦50bn for the Federal Government in one year.”
Meanwhile, the JAMB Registrar, on Wednesday, cautioned African countries against relying on foreign developed artificial intelligence technologies.
Rather, he said African nations should invest in building their own AI capabilities, “so they are not entirely dependent on external powers.”
“By being part of AI’s global development, they can ensure that they are not exploited or left out of future,” Oloyede said.
Delivering the University of Ilorin lecture series titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanities,” Oloyede said AI had come to stay but posited that “humanity should be in control of AI, if we will save humanities from padition.”
“African nations need to invest in building their own AI capabilities, so they are not entirely dependent on external powers. By being part of A I’s global development, they can ensure that they are not exploited or left out of future.
“African Telecommunication Unions, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, and Smart Africa must lead in the charge in developing AI strategies tailored to be the continent’s specific needs. These bodies should promote policies that encourage the ethical development and use of AI across sectors such as healthcare , agriculture, education, and governance. Collaboration between African countries on AI research and data sharing can help mitigate the risk of relying on foreign developed A I technologies,” Oloyede said.
Oloyede, a one time Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, also cautioned his colleagues in the academia who do not have adequate knowledge about their subjects, against adopting AI in the quest to seek solution about their subjects so as not to be misled.
“In fields like Islamic studies and Law, AI must be developed with sensitivity to ethical and cultural contexts. Universities and scholars should explore how AI can assist in complex tasks like issuing fatwas or navigating legal ethics , while ensuring that A I aligns with fundamental human rights values,” he said.
Source: The PUNCH
