JAMB terminates employee over extortion of candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dismissed one of its employees after determining that the staff member extorted candidates, according to a bulletin released by the examination body on Monday, September 21. The decision is part of JAMB's strengthened drive to curb fraud and improper conduct across the examination and admissions process. The board said its anti-fraud efforts are directed not only at outside offenders but also at personnel who misuse their positions. JAMB did not name the dismissed employee or disclose specifics about how the extortion occurred. It cautioned other staff members against behavior that could damage the organization's integrity or lead to the exploitation of candidates and the public. In its warning, the board urged all employees to avoid every form of improper conduct, especially actions that could harm its reputation or take advantage of candidates and members of the public. Such behavior, JAMB said, will bring serious penalties under existing rules. JAMB stated that the disciplinary steps used against those accused of fraudulent acts outside the organization will likewise be applied to misconduct by its own employees. It characterized the dismissal as an unambiguous signal that its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct covers staff members no matter their rank or role. The board said that after acting firmly against external fraudsters who target candidates and the public, it would not protect or exempt any of its employees who overstep boundaries or betray the trust placed in them. Employees whose activities threaten JAMB's operations will face sanctions as set out in established regulations. JAMB restated its dedication to a clean, accountable and professional workforce. It added that attempts to fight fraud and misconduct must also confront wrongdoing inside the organization.