JAMB dismisses staff member over alleged extortion of candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has dismissed a staff member over alleged extortion of candidates.

The development was disclosed in the Board’s weekly bulletin released on Monday.

JAMB said the dismissal reflects its renewed drive to rid the system of unethical practices, both internally and externally.

The Board said its clean-up exercise is not targeted at outsiders alone.

“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,” the Board stated.

It warned staff to desist from acts capable of undermining its integrity.

“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,” it added.

JAMB noted that the same firmness deployed against external fraudsters will be 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,” it said.

The Board said the sack should serve as a warning to all personnel.

“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,” JAMB stated.

It stressed that no staff who betrays public trust would be shielded.

“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 statement said.

Reaffirming its stance, the Board said it remains committed to a 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,” it added.