The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has conferred the traditional title of Kuliyan Sokoto on the immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, in recognition of his contributions to education, Islamic affairs and national development.
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The turbaning ceremony took place on Sunday at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto, with a reception later held at the Command Guest House. The event attracted traditional rulers, government officials, academics, religious leaders and other prominent Nigerians from across the country.
Speakers at the ceremony described the recognition as a demonstration of the importance of national unity, religious harmony, and peaceful coexistence, regardless of ethnic or regional differences.
After receiving the title, Oloyede thanked Almighty Allah and the Sultan, describing the honour as a combination of his religious, cultural and personal aspirations.
He said the recognition was particularly significant because he is a Yoruba man from Egbaland being honoured by the Sultan of Sokoto.
Oloyede explained that the title carried both traditional and religious responsibilities, noting that the Sultan also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
He acknowledged that he did not consider himself ordinarily deserving of the recognition but appreciated the Sultan for finding him worthy of the honour.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, retired Navy Captain AbdulRasheed Raji described the conferment as recognition of Oloyede’s integrity, scholarship and distinguished record of public service.
The Alake recalled Oloyede’s achievements as the eighth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and his leadership at JAMB, where he introduced reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the admission process.
Also speaking, Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN), who holds the traditional title of Kuliyan of Ilorin, commended the Sultan for using the honour to promote national integration.
Ali said the recognition of a Yoruba man by the Sokoto Caliphate demonstrated that Nigerians could rise above ethnic and regional divisions to pursue shared interests.
He described Oloyede as a nationalist whose commitment to truth and public service had earned him recognition beyond his immediate community.
Similarly, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, said the honour reflected Oloyede’s contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, education and national development.
The current JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, also congratulated Oloyede on behalf of the board, describing the recognition as a source of pride to the JAMB community.
Aina described the former registrar as a mentor and father figure to many, praying for continued strength and wisdom as he undertakes the responsibilities associated with the new title.
In his welcome address, delivered on behalf of the Oloyede family, Professor Abdulkarim Oloyede described the title as an Amanah, meaning a sacred trust, rooted in the values of wisdom, learning, integrity and service.
The family expressed appreciation to the Sultan, the Sokoto Sultanate Council, the state government, and the people of Sokoto for the recognition and hospitality.
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