Between JAMB Error , Responsibility ,Integrity and Altruism By Kayode Olagunju

 Between  JAMB Error ,  Responsibility ,Integrity and Altruism 

 By

Kayode Olagunju 

Prof Ishaq Oloyede's courage in admitting JAMB errors in the 2025 UMTE Exams, quite commendable.

Not everyone possesses the courage to publicly admit their mistakes. Many will rather blame others or try to "explain' the situation. They will try to justify that such mistakes do happen and that they are not God, hence mistakes will always happen as they are not claiming to be perfect. Some will even go into history and cite many occurrences of such mistakes in the past. They will point out that other sectors are inflicted with such hitches. Yes, many will refer to technological glitches.

I watched a man in tears, so pained that the huge mistakes occurred undetected early enough, taking full responsibility with apology. He also provided a remedy to the victims. That is pure courage.

I respect my former boss Osita Chidoka  the then Corps Marshal of FRSC for similar courage. Upon my resumption as the Head, Policy, Research and Statistics Department in 2013, I went into serious review of the FRSC Road Traffic Crash records for years and discovered that 3 years data were under reported. I made a presentation to the Management to draw attention, with a recommendation that the wrong published data should be repudiated. Tough decisions. Many members of the management felt that would be too damaging to the reputation of the FRSC. They argued that the data had been published in the last 3 years annual reports and circulated globally. Many reminded us that the World Bank, Word Health Organization,  International Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group (IRTAD) and other international organizations already had the data and turning around to say, the data were no longer correct would create doubts on our future data releases. Some even believed the Federal Government might feel embarrassed and of course such had consequences.

CM Osita allowed and keenly listened to every contribution. He asked me to come with more facts and reminded us all that "only God we trust, every one must come with justifiable evidence". Each time a management staff went to him to convince him not to repudiate the statistics, he would send for me and asked the person to repeat the augment and that I should respond. Then at the next Management meeting, I made further convincing argument. Osita Chidoka kept quiet for a moment then he said "Gentlemen, since this is a genuine mistake and we did not falsify or intentionally decided to mislead, I am ready to go with Figaro, to repudiate the data with explanation and offer necessary apology. We should publish the correct data. Good, we discovered the mistakes internally, it would have looked somehow if some Stakeholders had done that portraying us as insincere, that we are trying to presenting ourselves as good and performing".That was a great courageous moment.

Then the further test of the courage. We were in Burkina Faso for the West African Road Safety Organization meeting where other nations praised our activities including our data management, which should be emulated. CM Chidoka was the President. How do you throw away the same data being praised to the high heaven? A colleague of mine during the break whispered to him to reconsider his position. He belcomed on me to "listen to my friend again o'. Then another level of argument. Then he ruled, " there is no going back, other nations should also learn transparency from us. They should understand integrity of data. Data credibility is key and we discovered there were mistakes, so, we should be able to accept the errors and correct". He drew the attention of all to the decision and replaced the earlier published data with correct ones which were higher. He subsequently directed that, the next Annual report should contain the repudiated data and the corrected ones. That was inspirational.

I believe some staff and stakeholders of JAMB would have attempted to discourage the Registrar not to publicly admit the errors. Some of his friends could have warned him of the consequences but our cerebral Prof took the path of honour even though painful to have drawn tears from him. That is the way to go. Highly commendable. God bless you, Prof.

Dr Kayode OLAGUNJU, mni

Deputy Corps Marshal, rtd

15 May, 25

The Face of the Man projecting Nigeria as a Medical Tourism Destination

 The Face of the Man projecting  Nigeria as a  Medical Tourism Destination

In the 1960s and 70s, Nigeria stood as the beacon of medical tourism in Africa, drawing dignitaries and royals from across the globe. The Saudi Arabian royal family, alongside elites from Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and Lebanon, sought Nigeria’s world-class healthcare services. It was a golden era when Nigeria’s medical sector was celebrated for its excellence. However, by the 1980s, this glory began to wane, and the nation’s status as a medical tourism hub collapsed.

Today, hope is being reignited by a trailblazer committed to restoring Nigeria’s lost glory in medical tourism. This visionary, Mr. Usman Isah, is leading the charge to position Nigeria as a global healthcare destination once again.

Mr. Usman Isah, a renowned Travel Consultant and medical tourism specialist based in Abuja, Nigeria, has carved a niche for himself as a pioneer in the intersection of healthcare and tourism. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Emblem Travels and Tours Ltd, the All-Africa Medical and Wellness Expo (AMWE), and the AMWE Medical & Wellness Foundation.

With a wealth of experience spanning decades, Mr. Isah specializes in connecting healthcare seekers with world-class medical service providers across top medical tourism destinations. His work has earned him a sterling reputation as a dependable and visionary healthcare facilitator, making him a household name in the global medical tourism ecosyst.

Mr. Isah's influence extends across continents. His affiliations with some of the world’s most prestigious hospitals and medical experts underline his prominence in the sector. He is a member of leading healthcare associations, including the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council, German Medical Wellness Association, and the Tunisia Health Tourism Association, among others.

Recognized as an authority in medical tourism, Mr. Isah is often called upon to represent Africa at international healthcare forums. Notably, in 2017, he was the only Medical Tourism Facilitator from Abuja chosen as a foreign delegate at the Advantage Healthcare Conference in Bangalore, India.

Global Recognition and Impact

Mr. Isah’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria. His participation in high-profile conferences such as the 18th Akwaaba African Travel Market (2022), the International Healthcare Travel Forum in Jordan (2022), and the International Medical Tourism Conference in Islamabad (2024) highlights his dedication to advancing Africa’s medical tourism narrative. These platforms have enabled him to forge strategic partnerships and promote Nigeria as a viable medical tourism destination.

A Vision for Nigeria’s Medical Tourism Revival

Through his initiatives, Mr. Isah envisions a Nigeria where medical tourism thrives once more. His work with Emblem Travels and AMWE focuses on creating awareness, fostering collaborations, and improving access to quality healthcare. His unwavering dedication is a testament to his belief in Nigeria’s potential to reclaim its place as Africa’s healthcare hub.

A True Ambassador for Africa

Mr. Usman Isah is not just a medical tourism facilitator; he is an ambassador for Africa, showcasing the continent’s potential to the world. His efforts are not only putting Nigeria back on the global healthcare map but also inspiring a new generation of professionals to see the possibilities within medical tourism.

In Mr. Usman Isah, Nigeria has a torchbearer working tirelessly to revive its glory days. His dedication, vision, and global influence are paving the way for a brighter future, where Nigeria reclaims its rightful place as a medical tourism destination. The journey has begun, and with trailblazers like him, the future of Nigeria’s medical tourism is bright.

OMG! H.E. Eniola Ajayi again?

 OMG! H.E. Eniola Ajayi again? 

Yes, indeed.

That is how God has ordained it, and we have no control over His divine decision.

Yes, it is the Lord's will and approval that grants another glorious year on Earth to Ambassador Dr. Eniola Olaitan Ajayi 

And so, it is with heartfelt gratitude and joy that I pen this tribute in her honor.

A Birthday Tribute to H.E. Dr. Eniola Olaitan Ajayi on Her 60th Birthday 

Though I am not able to attend your birthday ceremony in Lagos today due to circumstances beyond my control, which I sincerely apologize for, I feel compelled to grace this special day of yours with this heartfelt article. Today, we celebrate an extraordinary woman whose journey of 60 years has been nothing short of inspiring—Her Excellency, Dr. Eniola Olaitan  Ajayi.

As the former Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary and The Hague, Netherlands, you have represented our great nation with unparalleled dignity and dedication. Throughout your distinguished career, you have consistently carried the banner of Ekiti State, fostering a deep sense of pride in our cultural heritage. 

Your commitment to promoting the tourism and cultural value of Nigeria, especially that of our beloved Ekiti State, is commendable. I recall with fondness how you facilitated the Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe, allowing them to beautifully showcase the rich cultural assets of Nigeria in Budapest during my tenure as the Director General of the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture. Your hospitality and warmth during that event left a lasting impression on everyone involved. 

H.E. Dr. Mrs. Eniola Olaitan Ajayi, you radiate grace, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in all your endeavors. Your life is a testament to godliness, humility, and resourcefulness. As a distinguished Commissioner of Education in Ekiti State, you have exhibited unparalleled leadership and respect for humanity, always proactive in addressing the needs of our people. 

You serve as a shining light and a role model to many, embodying the virtues of humility, integrity, and brilliance. On this momentous occasion, I celebrate you not just for your achievements but for the person you are; a woman who inspires those around her to strive for greatness.

As you enter this new chapter of your life, may it be filled with boundless joy, divine favor, and the fulfillment of all your heart’s desires. I pray that God continues to bless you with good health, wisdom, and the grace to inspire even more lives. 

Happy 60th Birthday, Your Excellency! May you continue to shine brightly and uplift those around you.

Congratulations!!!

Signed,  

Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre  

Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism