The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has taken its anti-fraud campaign into its own ranks, terminating the appointment of a staff member accused of extorting candidates.
The Board announced the dismissal in its release bulletin on Monday, warning that employees who exploit candidates or abuse their positions will face disciplinary action.
JAMB did not disclose the identity of the affected staff member or details of the alleged extortion.
But the Board said the action demonstrated that its campaign to clean up the admission and examination system was not directed only at external fraudsters.
According to JAMB, staff members were expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, particularly in their dealings with candidates and members of the public.
“The Board has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates,” JAMB stated.
The Board warned its workforce against conduct capable of undermining the integrity of its operations, stressing that violations would attract severe sanctions under its established rules.
JAMB said the same measures it has applied against people outside the organisation who attempt to defraud candidates would also be applied to employees found engaging in misconduct.
The development effectively puts JAMB staff under the same scrutiny as external agents accused of exploiting candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
The Board said it would not shield employees who abuse their positions or betray the trust placed in them by candidates and members of the public.
It further warned that anyone whose conduct compromises the examination or admission process would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
JAMB said its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applied to all employees, regardless of their status or position.
The Board added that the fight against fraud must begin from within if confidence in Nigeria’s admission and examination system is to be sustained.
The latest action comes amid JAMB’s continuing efforts to curb fraud and other forms of malpractice associated with the examination and admission process.