A former deputy director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr. Yisa Usman, has vowed to expose what he alleges to be widespread corruption within the board.
Usman, who was dismissed from his position, made these claims during proceedings at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae.
Usman is challenging his dismissal, describing it as unlawful and alleging that it was an attempt to silence his efforts to bring corruption to light. He testified as the sole witness in the case, responding to cross-examination by JAMB’s counsel, A.A. Owonikoko.
During the session, Usman admitted to writing multiple petitions to government agencies, including the Attorney-General for the Federation, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
These petitions detailed allegations of financial impropriety and procurement violations under JAMB’s current leadership.
He stated that his termination followed a disciplinary process he deemed unfair. Usman explained that he had received an invitation to appear before a disciplinary committee but rejected its composition, claiming it included individuals he had previously accused of infractions. He argued that this undermined his right to a fair hearing.
In court, Usman read an email he had sent to JAMB directors in May 2023, which outlined his concerns. “This new development only renews my determination to continue with my quest for justice and my fight against the corrupt practices that characterize our organization,” he wrote.
Usman accused JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, of financial misconduct, asserting that these practices were concealed under the guise of remittances to the government. He also alleged harassment and threats to his safety, claiming he reported these threats to security agencies.
The witness, while reading, said: “Dear Directors, this is a follow-up to the two queries issued to me. I received a letter of invitation on Tuesday, 16th May, 2023, to appear before Disciplinary Committee.
“The attached is my response to the invitation for your information.
“This new development only renew my determination to continue with my quest for justice and my fight against the corrupt practices that characterise our organisation in the past six to seven years, which I stated in the letter, are perpetrated under the cover of the remittances made to the government.’
“It is of note that I am invited to appear before Disciplinary Committee while my contemporaries are invited to promotional examination to substantive director.
“But I am not bothered because I do know for certain that God alone promotes.
“I am not deterred by this development, neither am I intimidated in any way.
“The fight against corruption and abuse of authority is the responsibility of every Nigerian. The law will take its course, no matter how long it takes. Thank you.”
He told the court that his reply to the query was submitted in hard copy to his immediate superior and because he wanted all members of the management to be privy to what was going on, he also sent the message to the email addresses of the directors.
“My Lord, the email was to communicate to the directors, the response to the query that was issued to me,” he said.
When Owonikoko told him that his email message was totally unrelated to the subject for which he was invited by the committee, Usman said: “My Lord, it is related.”
JAMB’s counsel countered these claims, arguing that Usman’s dismissal followed due process and was based on misconduct unrelated to his allegations. The lawyer noted that Usman had refused to appear before the disciplinary committee, which led to his termination.
The case also involves a criminal charge filed against Usman earlier in 2023. However, Usman refuted suggestions that this charge stemmed from investigations into his corruption claims, maintaining that the allegations against him were unrelated.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae admitted several documents submitted by Usman’s legal team as evidence, while granting JAMB the right to object to them later. The judge adjourned the case until February 27, 2025, for JAMB to present its defense.
Usman is seeking reinstatement, N150 million in damages, and a declaration that his dismissal was null and void.
