JAMB fires staff member over alleged extortion of candidate

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has suspended the appointment of a staff member accused of extorting unsuspecting candidates, reinforcing the testing agency’s stated zero-tolerance policy for corruption and wrongdoing.

This development was announced in a bulletin released by the Board on Monday, when JAMB said it was intensifying efforts to protect the integrity of the admission and examination process.

According to the Board, these disciplinary actions demonstrate that its campaign against fraudulent practices includes not only individuals operating outside the organization, but also members of its own workforce.

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

“Therefore, the Board once again warns all staff members to desist from engaging in any form of unhealthy behavior, especially actions that could undermine the integrity of the Board or exploit candidates and members of the public, as such actions will have severe consequences in accordance with the established rules,” JAMB said.

The examination body said its efforts to clean up the admissions and examination system would apply equally to internal and external violators.

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“The Board stated that its determination to clean up the admissions and examination process is not only directed at external fraudsters alone, emphasizing that the same determination that relentlessly pursues and deals with fraudulent elements outside the Board also applies to internal violations.”

JAMB said the dismissal of staff members should serve as a warning to employees that violations will be subject to disciplinary action regardless of their position in the organization.

“The council notes that these actions send a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, regardless of status or position.”

The Board further emphasized that staff members will not be protected if they abuse their official position or exploit the trust placed in them by candidates and members of the public.

“JAMB emphasizes that having dealt decisively with external fraudsters who seek to exploit candidates and members of the public, JAMB will not protect or tolerate members of its own staff who cross the line or abuse the trust placed in them.”

The admissions board reiterated that employees are expected to behave in a manner that maintains the credibility of its operations.

It said, “The Board once again warns all staff members to desist from engaging in any form of unhealthy behavior, especially actions that could undermine the integrity of the Board or exploit candidates and members of the public, as such actions will have severe consequences in accordance with the established rules.”

JAMB said it will continue to implement internal disciplinary measures as part of efforts to maintain confidence in its examination and admissions processes.

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