President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina, a 40-year-old computer engineering scholar, as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. The appointment signals the President's confidence in young Nigerian professionals to lead critical national institutions.
Aina is one of Nigeria's youngest professors of computer engineering. He holds a PhD in Digital Signal Processing and a Master's degree in Internet Computing and Network Security from Loughborough University, plus a Bachelor's degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent. He currently works as a Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced the appointment on Monday. Onanuga said the move reflects Tinubu's commitment to merit-driven leadership and positioning forward-thinking professionals in strategic roles. "President Tinubu remains committed to building institutions that are efficient, transparent, and future-ready," Onanuga said. "Professor Segun Aina's appointment reflects the administration's confidence in his exceptional academic background, technological expertise, and deep understanding of Nigeria's examination ecosystem."
Onanuga added that the President believes national development requires "a deliberate blend of experience, innovation, and generational inclusion." He said the administration recognises that many young Nigerians demonstrate world-class competence across sectors and will continue identifying capable professionals to drive meaningful reforms.
This appointment fits a broader pattern in Tinubu's administration. In October 2023, the President appointed Mustapha Abdullahi, aged 40, as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria. Jennifer Adighije, 42, became the first woman to serve as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Power Holding Company in 2024. Zacch Adedeji, widely credited for driving major tax reforms as Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, also represents the push to place younger, highly skilled Nigerians in governance positions.
Political analysts say the appointment reinforces the President's belief that competence, innovation, and delivery capacity must take precedence over traditional age expectations in public office. Education stakeholders have praised the choice. Aina's 15-year track record in Nigeria's examination ecosystem strengthens his credentials. He has worked extensively with the National Examinations Council, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, the Osun State Examinations Board, and several State Universal Basic Education Boards across the country.
Aina is known for extending his work beyond academic theory into practical institutional reform, digital systems development, and educational process integrity. His appointment comes at a time when JAMB faces pressure to modernise its operations and improve the university admission process for Nigerian students. Education sector observers expect Aina to introduce technological innovations and strengthen the board's systems.
Aina is expected to formally resume duty at JAMB within the coming weeks, with education stakeholders watching closely to see what reforms he introduces to streamline the examination and admission process.
