JAMB dismisses staff accused of extorting candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has ended the employment of one of its workers owing to allegations that he was engaged in extortion of innocent candidates.

The news was announced in the Board’s bulletin on Monday, as JAMB reiterates its determination to sanitize the admissions process.

The Board said the action against the unnamed staff member demonstrated that its efforts to rid the system of fraud were not limited to external fraudsters.

“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates, in further demonstration of its renewed commitment to flushing out bad eggs from the system.

“Accordingly, the Board once again warned all members of staff to desist from all forms of unwholesome conduct, particularly acts capable of undermining the integrity of the Board or exploiting candidates and members of the public, as such actions would attract severe consequences in accordance with established rules,” JAMB stated.

The Board stressed that the same determination with which it had pursued fraudulent elements outside the organisation was being applied to internal misconduct.

“The Board stated that its resolve to sanitise the admission and examination processes is not targeted at external fraudsters alone, stressing that the same determination with which it has relentlessly pursued and dealt with fraudulent elements outside the Board is being brought to bear on internal misconduct.”

JAMB said the termination sent a clear warning to its workforce that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applied to all staff, regardless of their positions.

“The Board noted that the action sends a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, irrespective of status or position.”

The Board added that it would not protect staff members who abused their positions or the trust placed in them by candidates and members of the public.

“JAMB stressed that having dealt decisively with external fraudsters who seek to exploit candidates and members of the public, it would not shield or spare any of its own staff members who cross the line or abuse the trust reposed in them.”

The Board warned that staff members found engaging in conduct capable of compromising its operations would face sanctions in line with established rules.

It said, “The Board once again warned all members of staff to desist from all forms of unwholesome conduct, particularly acts capable of undermining the integrity of the Board or exploiting candidates and members of the public, as such actions would attract severe consequences in accordance with established rules.”

JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining what it described as a clean, accountable and professional workforce.

“The Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a clean, accountable and professional workforce, stressing that the fight against fraud and misconduct must begin from within if the integrity of its operations is to be fully preserved,” JAMB said.