JAMB backs senate’s decision to probe alleged admission fraud in Nigerian Public Universities
In a significant development, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has expressed its support for the Senate’s decision to investigate alleged admission fraud in Nigerian public universities.
The registrar and chief executive of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, believes that this probe will provide an opportunity for the examination body to clear its name of any wrongdoing.
During the 2023 Customer Service Week of JAMB in Abuja, Oloyede expressed his appreciation to the lawmakers for granting JAMB the chance to defend itself against the allegations.
JAMB, as the umpire body responsible for conducting entrance examinations for tertiary institutions in Nigeria, has faced numerous accusations of corruption and favouritism in recent years.
“Something happened in the senate when a motion was moved to take certain steps about what was alleged to be connivance between JAMB and some institutions on admission racketeering and that was on the floor of the senate.
“But anything that appears negative also has a positive in it. The senate president said JAMB must be heard because JAMB has integrity.
“I want all of us to appreciate the senate president in particular and the entire senate for the wise counsel. We thank them sincerely and we say thank you for giving us the opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The Nigerian Senate has taken a commendable step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the country’s universities.
The upper chamber has agreed to investigate allegations of admission racketeering, which have been a thorn in the flesh of the education sector for years.
The motion was moved by Onyeka Nwebonyi, who cited the case of Chinyere Ekwe, a victim of admission trials at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Nwebonyi alleged that some university staff members colluded with JAMB officials to perpetrate these heinous acts. However, the President of the National Assembly, Godswill Akpabio, has called for a fair hearing, giving JAMB the opportunity to defend itself.
This move is a testament to the Senate’s commitment to upholding the integrity of JAMB, a reputable institution that has contributed immensely to the development of education in Nigeria.
