The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) have dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption within the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), describing them as baseless and unfounded.
In a joint statement, NASU’s JAMB Branch Chairman, Comrade Andrew Onakpa, and ASCSN’s Comrade Ebenezer Ayelabola condemned the claims, stating they were deliberate attempts to tarnish JAMB’s reputation and undermine its management’s welfare initiatives.
Allegations Deemed Unsubstantiated
The accusations, reportedly made by former JAMB staff member Yisa Usman, suggested misappropriation of funds. However, the unions dismissed these claims, arguing that Usman was merely attempting to discredit the Board.
“With the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), all staff, including Mr. Usman, received advances directly into their accounts. If he has evidence to the contrary, he should provide it,” the statement read.
The unions further clarified that JAMB was designated as a Government-Owned Enterprise (GOE) by the Federal Government, and its compliance with government directives was not self-declared, as Usman alleged.
Defense of Staff Welfare Initiatives
The unions also defended JAMB’s staff housing scheme, asserting that government regulations allow individual home acquisition through grants and loans. They emphasized that what is restricted is government ownership and maintenance of official housing, not welfare-driven programs like those initiated by JAMB.
Investigations Clear JAMB of Wrongdoing
According to NASU and ASCSN, multiple government agencies have investigated Usman’s claims and cleared JAMB of any financial misconduct. These agencies include:
- Office of the Immediate Past Vice-President of Nigeria
- Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)
- Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
- Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) under the Federal Ministry of Finance
- Federal Ministry of Education
- Accountant General of the Federation
- Auditor General of the Federation
“Each of these investigations found no wrongdoing on the part of the Board. However, instead of accepting these findings, Mr. Usman resorted to disparaging these institutions, further proving his bad faith,” the unions stated.
Call to End Smear Campaign
The unions alleged that Usman had a troubling history following his dismissal by the Federal Ministry of Education and urged him and his supporters to end what they described as a smear campaign against JAMB.
Emphasizing JAMB’s commitment to integrity, NASU and ASCSN warned that the Board will not tolerate baseless attacks on its reputation and urged stakeholders to recognize the positive reforms and accountability measures implemented by the management.