By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sacked one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates.
JAMB disclosed that it terminated the appointment of the erring staff member in its bulletin released on Monday, September 21.
The examination body noted that the action against the unnamed staff member is a demonstration of its efforts to sanitise the admission and examination processes and rid the system of fraud.
“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.
According to the Board, it would apply the same determination for pursuing fraudulent elements outside the organisation to internal misconduct.
JAMB said the termination of the staff member’s appointment 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 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 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 added.
The examination body further noted that it would not protect staff members who abused their positions or the trust placed in them by candidates and members of the public.
It warned that staff members found engaging in conduct capable of compromising its operations would face sanctions in line with established rules.
“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 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.
“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 stated.
