The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has terminated the appointment of a staff member found to have extorted candidates, reaffirming its commitment to tackling corruption and misconduct within the organisation.
The Board disclosed the development in its latest bulletin, stressing that its zero-tolerance policy on fraudulent practices applies not only to candidates, agents and members of the public but also to its own employees.
JAMB said the disciplinary action demonstrated that no staff member would be protected when found to have exploited candidates or abused an official position for personal gain.
The Board warned its employees against engaging in activities capable of undermining the credibility of its examination and admission processes.
According to JAMB, any staff member found to have violated established rules or engaged in misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures, irrespective of the person’s position or rank within the organisation.
The Board said its decision to terminate the staff member’s appointment was part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and protect candidates from exploitation during admission-related processes.
JAMB conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is a major requirement for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Because of the large number of candidates who participate in the UTME each year, the Board has repeatedly warned against individuals who attempt to exploit candidates by demanding money in exchange for services they are not authorised to provide.
Such fraudulent activities may involve promises of assistance with registration, examination results, admission placements, corrections of candidate information or other services associated with the Board’s operations.
JAMB has consistently advised candidates to be cautious of individuals claiming to have special access or influence within the organisation.
The Board has also encouraged candidates and their parents or guardians to rely on its official communication channels and approved procedures when carrying out registration and other admission-related activities.
The latest disciplinary action reinforces that warning, as JAMB said its employees would also be held accountable when they violate the rules governing their official responsibilities.
The Board stated that its fight against corruption extends across its operations and that employees are expected to uphold the standards required to maintain public confidence in the examination and admission system.
JAMB’s position is particularly significant because candidates often interact with officials and service providers during registration, examination and admission processes. Any attempt by personnel to exploit such interactions for financial gain can undermine confidence in the system and expose candidates and their families to unnecessary financial losses.
The Board therefore warned its workforce against abusing official positions or using access to candidates as an avenue for personal enrichment.
It said disciplinary action would be taken whenever evidence establishes that an employee has engaged in conduct contrary to JAMB’s rules and regulations.
The termination of the staff member’s appointment also sends a message that the Board’s anti-corruption measures are intended to apply internally as well as externally.
JAMB urged candidates to report suspicious demands for money or other forms of misconduct through its established reporting channels.
The Board further advised candidates to avoid unauthorised agents and individuals who claim they can influence examination outcomes or guarantee admission into tertiary institutions.
As preparations for future UTME exercises continue, JAMB said maintaining the integrity of its processes remained a collective responsibility involving its employees, candidates, educational institutions and other stakeholders.
The Board reiterated that its zero-tolerance approach to corruption would remain in force and that personnel found abusing their positions would face appropriate sanctions.
The termination of the staff member’s appointment, JAMB said, reflects its determination to enforce its rules and protect candidates from exploitation while safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s centralised tertiary admission and examination processes.
