Profile of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, career milestones, net worth

Professor Dibu Ojerinde is a renowned Nigerian academic, expert in educational assessment, and former head of several key examination bodies in the country. 

Celebrated as the country’s first Professor of Tests and Measurement, Ojerinde has played a pivotal role in shaping national examination standards for decades.

From classroom teaching to leading some of the nation’s most critical examination bodies, including JAMB, NECO, and NBEM, his career is a mix of groundbreaking achievements and, more recently, controversy.

As both a scholar and administrator, he has left an indelible mark on educational assessment in Nigeria.

Profile overview

Name: Dibu Ojerinde

Date of birth: N/A

Place of birth: Oyo

Marital status: Married

Career: Academic expert

Early life

Born in the town of Igboho in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, Dibu Ojerinde was raised in an era when education was becoming a powerful vehicle for transformation.

His early passion for learning led him to Wesley College, Ibadan, where he obtained his Teacher Grade II Certificate in 1964.

Determined to advance further, he enrolled at Adeyemi College of Education, completing the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1968.

He later attended Obafemi Awolowo University (then the University of Ife), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1973, followed by a Master’s in Education in 1975.

His academic ambition reached new heights when he traveled to the United States, earning a Ph.D. in Educational Measurement from Cornell University in 1978.

In 1986, he achieved a milestone by becoming Nigeria’s first Professor of Tests and Measurement, setting the standard for excellence in a relatively new but vital academic discipline.

Career milestones

Ojerinde’s professional career began in the classroom. In 1965, he took up a teaching role at Laogun Methodist Grammar School.

He later taught at Iseyin District Grammar School and the College of Advanced Studies in Kano.

His experience in these grassroots institutions gave him a practical understanding of Nigeria’s educational needs.

In 1973, he joined the academic staff at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he rose through the ranks to become the Director of the Institute of Education in 1984.

He held the position until 1990, guiding numerous policy and curriculum advancements.

That same year, Ojerinde transitioned into public service, becoming Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Primary Education Commission.

He later served as Director and Consultant at the Centre for Educational Measurement under the Federal Ministry of Education.

Leadership of Nigeria’s Examination Bodies

Ojerinde’s most influential work came through his leadership of three national examination bodies:

Registrar, National Board for Educational Measurement (NBEM) (1992–1999): He helped build foundational assessment frameworks during his seven-year tenure.

Registrar, National Examination Council (NECO) (1999–2007): He led NECO through its formative years, working to establish its credibility alongside WAEC.

Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) (2007–2016): Perhaps his most recognized role, Ojerinde introduced critical reforms, including the adoption of computer-based testing (CBT).

His tenure was marked by modernization efforts aimed at curbing exam malpractice and improving efficiency.

He was reappointed in 2012 and eventually handed over to Professor Is-haq Oloyede in 2016.

Global Recognition and professional affiliations

Professor Ojerinde’s impact extended beyond Nigeria. He served as President of the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) and Vice President of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA).

He is also a member of the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Educational Studies Association of Nigeria.

These affiliations highlight his global relevance in the field of educational measurement and testing, placing him among the foremost authorities in academic assessment in Africa.

Controversy

In March 2021, Professor Ojerinde’s illustrious career took a dark turn.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) filed an 18-count charge against him and four of his children, accusing them of diverting public funds totaling ₦5.2 billion during his time at JAMB.

The charges allege massive financial misappropriation through shell companies and fraudulent contracts, with ongoing court proceedings yet to reach a conclusion.

The case shocked many in the academic and administrative circles and cast a shadow on a career previously considered above reproach.

Net worth

Professor Dibu Ojerinde’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million.

This includes earnings from his academic career, leadership roles in federal institutions, international consultancy engagements, and possible investments.