The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has honoured the immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, for his contributions to education, institutional transformation and national development, urging the Federal Government to continue tapping into his wealth of experience and expertise.
The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja at a civic reception organised by the MSSN National Headquarters in honour of Oloyede, a distinguished alumnus of the organisation, under the theme, “The Oloyede Blueprint: Integrity, Innovation and Accountability in Public Service.”
The event, held at the Conference Centre of the Abuja National Mosque, brought together prominent Islamic scholars, political leaders, academics, public officials, MSSN members and alumni, as well as friends, associates and students who paid tribute to the professor for his decades of service to Nigeria.
In his welcome address, MSSN National Amir, Malam Mustapha Tajudeen Olumide, described Oloyede’s career as a demonstration of what could be achieved when knowledge was guided by values, competence strengthened by character and public authority restrained by accountability.
He said Oloyede’s record at the University of Ilorin and JAMB showed that institutions could be transformed through visionary leadership, technology, transparency, innovation and measurable reforms.
According to him, Oloyede’s career has also demonstrated that integrity is not an impediment to achievement but an asset, while accountability remains the foundation of sustainable success.
Olumide challenged Nigerian youths to draw inspiration from the celebrant’s life, stressing that his career had shown that character, competence, integrity and excellence remained relevant in achieving success without compromising personal and religious values.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to consider assigning Oloyede another strategic national responsibility where his experience, ingenuity and transformational leadership could be deployed for the benefit of the country.
The MSSN leader said Nigeria had not exhausted what it could still gain from former UnIlorin VC’s experience and wisdom, added that the reward for a job well done should be greater responsibility.
He described Oloyede as not only a distinguished Nigerian but also a great alumnus of MSSN and a member of the Board of Trustees of the organisation, whose life reflected the values the society seeks to instil in young Muslims and students.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Malam Musamir S. Haggag, said the reception was primarily organised to give young people an opportunity to see and interact with a personality they had heard so much about but might not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet.
Haggag described Oloyede as a product of MSSN who had remained faithful to the ideals of the organisation for decades, saying his resilience, discipline, work ethic and ability to confront difficult challenges offered important lessons to younger generations.
He also commended Oloyede for his contributions to the Muslim community, including his ability to mobilise resources and support for Islamic institutions.
In her goodwill message, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Oloyede as a man of integrity, selflessness, patriotism and passion for Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa recalled his support for national initiatives and praised his commitment to serving the country, saying his example demonstrated that public officials could do things differently and still uphold integrity.
She also paid tribute to Oloyede’s wife, describing her as an important source of support behind his achievements and longevity in public service.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, commended the MSSN for organising the reception, describing Oloyede as a good ambassador of the Muslim Students’ Society and an example of the values of Islam in public service.
Shekarau recalled that Oloyede had initially indicated that he would not accept a second term as JAMB Registrar after completing his first tenure, but eventually agreed to continue when persuaded to do so.
He said Oloyede successfully completed the additional tenure and left an enduring mark on the institution, particularly through reforms that strengthened its operations and public confidence.
The former Kano State governor urged MSSN leaders to deliberately expose younger members to the lives and experiences of former leaders and veterans of the organisation, saying such interactions would provide role models and inspire the next generation.
He said Nigeria had many accomplished personalities whose experiences should be documented and brought closer to young people before their generation passed on.
The reception featured tributes and goodwill messages from friends, associates, religious and community leaders, public officials and students, all of whom celebrated Professor Oloyede’s contributions to education, public service, the Muslim Ummah and national development.
The organisers also prayed for Oloyede’s continued good health, wisdom and strength, urging him to remain a source of inspiration and guidance to younger generations.
The MSSN described the reception as a celebration not only of an individual but of a model of leadership anchored on integrity, innovation, competence and accountability, which it said Nigeria urgently needs in its public institutions.
