Dr. Stephen Olawale Fasakin, the inaugural Deputy National Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni (ANUA), has spoken in defense of Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), regarding the recent technical disruption that affected the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a statement shared with journalists in Ilorin yesterday, Fasakin emphasized that instead of criticism, Oloyede deserves recognition for his past track record of delivering examinations that meet international standards.

He also proposed that the results from this year’s UTME be made valid for a three-year period, believing this approach would help ease students’ anxiety in the aftermath of the glitches.

Fasakin appealed to Nigerians to approach the situation with thoughtful dialogue rather than resorting to public reproach of the JAMB chief.

“This same professor has consistently overseen this examination successfully in the past,” Fasakin noted, expressing his disappointment that the most recent edition did not mirror the smooth operations of previous years.

A well-known advocate for educational reform, Fasakin emphasized that the technical fault was unintentional and urged stakeholders to evaluate the situation with fairness and perspective.

“No one desires a system malfunction. It's important to affirm that Oloyede would never compromise his integrity on matters like this—particularly when the problem can be resolved,” he said. “He has offered a public apology, and we must recognize the uncommon humility it takes to do so.”

Praising Oloyede’s broader impact, Fasakin credited him with introducing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) to Nigeria’s public examination system and laying down a model that could serve other testing bodies.

He concluded by offering his support to the affected candidates and expressed confidence that the recovery measures being implemented would produce positive outcomes.