By Godswill Michael
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for allegedly extorting unsuspecting candidates.
JAMB disclosed this in its bulletin released on Monday, saying the action was part of its renewed commitment to sanitising the admission and examination processes.
The Board said the disciplinary measure demonstrated that its campaign against fraudulent practices was not targeted solely at individuals operating outside the organisation.
“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 said.
JAMB said the same resolve it had demonstrated in dealing with external fraudsters would also be applied to employees found engaging in 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,” the bulletin stated.
According to the examination body, the sanction should serve as a warning to its workforce that no employee’s rank or position would shield them from disciplinary action.
“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,” it said.
The Board also said it would not shield employees who abused their official positions or took advantage of 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 examination body further warned its employees against conduct capable of undermining its operations or exposing candidates and members of the public to exploitation.
“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 said its commitment to accountability extended to its workforce, stressing that efforts to safeguard the integrity of its operations must begin from within.