Sultan Confers Kuliyan Sokoto Title on Ex-JAMB Registrar, Oloyede, Calls for National Unity

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has honoured former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, with the traditional title of Kuliyan Sokoto, in recognition of his contributions to education, Islamic affairs and national development.

The traditional investiture was held on Sunday at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto, followed by a reception at the Command Guest House. The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, academics, religious leaders and other prominent Nigerians from different parts of the country.

The recognition was widely described by speakers as a significant demonstration of the need for national unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic or regional differences.

Speaking after receiving the title, Oloyede expressed appreciation to the Sultan, describing the honour as a special blessing that brought together his religious, cultural and traditional aspirations.

The former JAMB chief, who hails from Egbaland in Ogun State, noted that receiving such recognition from the Sokoto Sultanate was particularly meaningful to him as a Yoruba Muslim.

He also acknowledged the religious significance of the title, explaining that it came with responsibilities beyond traditional recognition.

Oloyede thanked the Sultan, the Sokoto State Government and the people of the state for considering him worthy of the honour.

In a goodwill message, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, commended Oloyede's record of scholarship, integrity and public service.

The monarch, whose message was delivered by retired Navy Captain AbdulRasheed Raji, highlighted Oloyede's achievements as the eighth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and his contributions to reforms at JAMB, particularly in promoting transparency and accountability in the admission process.

Also speaking, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Yusuf Ali, described the conferment as an important statement on national integration, noting that the recognition of a Yoruba indigene by the Sokoto Sultanate demonstrated that excellence and service could overcome ethnic and geographical divisions.

Ali expressed confidence that Oloyede would use his new position to promote the positive values of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Similarly, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, praised the former JAMB registrar for his contributions to education, Islamic jurisprudence and national development.

He expressed the expectation that Oloyede would bring his wealth of experience and commitment to service to bear in fulfilling the responsibilities associated with the new title.

The current JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, also congratulated his predecessor, describing the recognition as a source of pride to the board and an acknowledgement of Oloyede's contributions beyond his immediate professional environment.

In his remarks on behalf of the family, Professor Abdulkarim Oloyede described the title as an Amanah, meaning a sacred trust, built on the principles of wisdom, knowledge, integrity and service.

He expressed the family's gratitude to the Sultan, the Sultanate Council, the state government and the people of Sokoto for the recognition and hospitality.

The ceremony further highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in strengthening national cohesion and encouraging relationships across Nigeria's diverse cultural and religious communities.