The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has terminated the appointment of a staff member accused of extorting unsuspecting candidates, reinforcing the examination body’s stated zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct.
The development was announced in the Board’s release bulletin on Monday, as JAMB said it was intensifying efforts to protect the integrity of the admission and examination processes.
According to the Board, the disciplinary action demonstrates that its campaign against fraudulent practices extends beyond individuals operating outside the organisation to 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 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 examination body said its efforts to clean up the admission and examination system would apply equally to internal and external offenders.
“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 of the staff member should serve as a warning to employees that misconduct would attract disciplinary measures irrespective of their position within the organisation.
“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 further stressed that staff members would not be protected if they abused their official positions or exploited the confidence 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 admission board reiterated that employees were expected to conduct themselves in a manner that would preserve the credibility of its operations.
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 said it would continue to enforce its internal disciplinary measures as part of efforts to maintain confidence in its examination and admission processes.
“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.
(Ripples)
