In the words of Henry Ford “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success” and so it was a day of celebration for the Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPEB), as top echelons gathered to celebrate the examination body’s tenth (10th) Anniversary in grand style on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Held under the Chairmanship of a former Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole, the Ceremony featured an Anniversary Lecture, presentation of awards as well as recognition of individuals whose contributions supported JUPEB’s mission over the past decade.
The event provided the perfect setting as the culminating activity for the series of events held to mark the anniversary. The series of programmes had commenced on Monday, January 22, 2024, with a Media briefing.
The Awards and Dinner celebration brought together key stakeholders in the education sector, including current and former members of the JUPEB governing council, university administrators, and educators, amongst many others who have contributed to the programme.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of three (3) students of the School of Foundation Studies (SFS), University of Lagos (UNILAG) as award recipients for their academic exploits. They are Chinweze John Paul who emerged overall best in Physics; Abifarin Oluwafifunmi Daniel, best in Mathematics and Kolapo David Olamide as best in Business Studies. In the same vein, the School of Foundation Studies, UNILAG received the award of the Best Performing JUPEB Foundation School 2023.
Other award winners recognised for their dedication, leadership, and transformative impact on the academic community included the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS; who was accompanied by the Management team of the institution; past Vice-Chancellors of UNILAG, Professor Rahman A. Bello and Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mac-John Nwaobiala; Pioneer Registrar of JUPEB and Educationist, Late Professor Duro Ajeyalemi whose award was collected by his wife, Mrs. Kofoworola Ajeyalemi; JUPEB Board members, and pioneer members of staff of JUPEB among others.
Following the awards presentation, guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner that featured a delectable array of culinary delights as well as also cultural performance by students of the UNILAG Creative Arts Department.
It was not only a moment of reflection and recognition but also a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and progress within the educational community. As attendees bid farewell to an unforgettable evening, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to further elevate education for generations to come.
The Anniversary Lecture
Earlier in the day, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG)and Pioneer Chairman of the Board, Professor Rahman A. Bello FAENG delivered the JUPEB Anniversary Lecture inside the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG.
Prof. Bello’s lecture titled A Child of Circumstance, delved into the origin and evolution of JUPEB, reflecting on its impact on the educational landscape and its role in shaping the academic journey of countless students. According to him, the introduction of JUPEB marked a pivotal moment in addressing the challenges related to university admissions in Nigeria during the early 1990s.
While sharing insights into the early days of JUPEB, as well as its growth as a respected pathway for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, the pioneer JUPEB Chairman underscored the importance of providing diverse educational opportunities to accommodate varying learning styles and circumstances, and JUPEB’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and inclusivity.
His words “JUPEB was established as an alternative pathway for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities. It aimed to provide a platform for prospective students to enhance their academic qualifications and competencies, thereby increasing their chances of gaining admission into universities”.
In her remarks at the Lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS averred that the event marked a significant milestone for the Board, as it has been instrumental in providing an alternative route to tertiary education for students in Nigeria.
While appreciating the leadership of the Board from inception, Prof. Ogunsola described the establishment of JUPEB a decade ago as visionary, and a response to the need for a robust and inclusive pathway to tertiary education for students across Nigeria.
According to her, through JUPEB’s innovative curriculum and rigorous assessment processes, it has provided a platform for students to bridge the gap between secondary and higher education, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields.
On his part, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Bamitale Omole noted that “JUPEB, like a child born into unique circumstances, has adapted and thrived in an environment characterized by dynamic challenges and opportunities. As we reflect on this theme, we are reminded of the dynamic nature of education and the need for innovative approaches to address evolving educational needs.”
Earlier in his welcome address, JUPEB Registrar, Professor Solomon Adewale Okunuga gave a progress report as regards the body. He reflected on the challenges, opportunities and resilience displayed in navigating through various circumstances.
His words, ‘’ from the humble beginning of 2014 when we conducted our first examination where 2,935 candidates from four Universities sat for the maiden examination in August of that year, JUPEB has experienced a monumental spread across the geo-political zones of Nigeria from the South-West through to the South-East, South-South and the North-Central parts ’’.
“As of the last examination held in August 2023, JUBEP has a total of 104 partner and affiliate Universities that produce thousands of candidates for the examinations yearly. Most definitely, this figure is expected to rise considering the number of affiliation requests we receive every year”.
Other speakers including immediate past Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS; used the occasion to express delight at the success recorded.
According to Professor Ogundipe, “It is a thing of great joy that over the years, the board has not deviated from the core values of integrity and honesty on which it was founded. This has gone in no small measure in ensuring the acceptability of its certificates not only by institutions in Nigeria but from across the world”.
The Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) is a national examinations body approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria in December 2013. The Board was formally established in April 2014 by a consortium of ten (10) partner universities led by UNILAG, and the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The ten (10) partner universities are University of Lagos (UNILAG); University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT); University of Ilorin; University of Benin (UNIBEN); University of Uyo; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photography: Samuel O. Dosunmu / Bayo Salau
