John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq., former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has called for the immediate resignation of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, over what he described as the Board’s “insensitive and unlawful” refusal to release the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of candidates deemed underage.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
In a strongly worded public statement titled “OLOYEDE MUST GO”, the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officer condemned JAMB’s justification for withholding the results, which cited a purported pending appeal in court. Aikpokpo-Martins accused the Board of misleading the public and disrespecting the rule of law by failing to comply with an earlier court judgment.
He noted that JAMB had falsely claimed in March 2025 to have filed an appeal, only to belatedly submit a Notice of Appeal and an application for a stay of execution much later—actions he argued do not excuse non-compliance with a valid court order.
“A Notice of Appeal is not a pending appeal. And even if it were, an appeal does not operate as an automatic stay of execution. So what exactly is JAMB staying? A declaratory judgment cannot even be stayed,” Aikpokpo-Martins wrote.
He expressed grave concern over the psychological toll of the delay on affected candidates and their families, referencing the reported suicide of a young girl in Lagos, whose result was allegedly withheld.
“Professor Ishaq Oloyede must be held responsible for any further trauma, depression, or loss of life that may arise as a result of his refusal to release these results. His conduct is not only sadistic but unbecoming of a public officer in charge of such a critical institution,” he stated.
The lawyer also lamented the silence of human rights organizations, the media, and the legal community, many of whom, he said, have failed to apply pressure on JAMB to do the right thing.
He warned that the lives and futures of thousands of “precocious children” are being jeopardized unnecessarily.
“Even if the appeal eventually succeeds, what does JAMB stand to lose by admitting these children? And if it fails, who will compensate them for their lost years and opportunities?”
Aikpokpo-Martins drew from personal experience, recalling a classmate who gained admission at age 15 and is today a senior lawyer serving the country. He argued that early academic excellence should be encouraged, not punished.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
