The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Segun Aina, has revealed that he turned down the opportunityq to secure permanent residency in the United Kingdom in order to return to Nigeria and contribute to national development.
Aina, a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, disclosed this during an interview with the Association of Campus Journalists at the institution.
According to the academic, he intentionally decided against pursuing permanent residency despite spending over a decade in the UK for academic and professional advancement.
“I deliberately did not pursue that because I did not want a way out. I wanted to ensure that I was fully committed to the prospect of building a successful career here,” he said.
A report by Daily Trust stated that Aina earned a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from University of Kent before proceeding to Loughborough University, where he obtained both his Master’s degree and doctorate in Digital Signal Processing.
The professor explained that although his years abroad exposed him to advanced academic and technological systems, the experience further strengthened his determination to return home and contribute to Nigeria’s educational and technological growth.
He described his decision as a personal sacrifice rooted in patriotism and confidence in the country’s future.
“I am a patriot. I am hugely passionate about Nigeria as a project. I believe in the Nigerian dream,” he added.
Aina stated that his long-term goal has always been to apply the knowledge and experience acquired abroad to improve institutional systems and educational outcomes in Nigeria.
His appointment as JAMB registrar comes amid ongoing conversations about brain drain and the migration of skilled Nigerian professionals to foreign countries in search of better opportunities.
