Yisa Usman, the dismissed deputy director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has expressed his determination to uncover corruption within the organization, despite facing threats and intimidation.
Usman has initiated a ₦150 million lawsuit against JAMB, claiming wrongful termination. This case, identified as NICN/ABJ/266/2023, was filed by his attorney, Oseini Bamigbaye, from the Chambers of Mohammed Shuaibu. Usman is the plaintiff, with JAMB serving as the sole defendant in the lawsuit filed on September 29, 2023. In the suit, Usman requests the court to declare the establishment of JAMB’s Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee as irregular and unlawful, citing non-compliance with Article 3.5.4 of the Board’s Staff Manual and Conditions of Service.
During cross-examination by Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae of the National Industrial Court in Abuja, Usman confirmed that he had submitted petitions to various government agencies regarding alleged corruption within JAMB. He acknowledged receiving queries and an invitation to appear before a disciplinary committee prior to his dismissal. Usman stated that he responded to the queries and protested the committee’s composition.
When questioned about an email response dated May 17, 2023, related to the disciplinary committee’s invitation, Usman admitted to writing a reply. He indicated that he submitted his response in hard copy to his immediate superior and also emailed the directors to ensure they were informed about the situation.
The former deputy director confirmed that he had filed multiple petitions against JAMB with the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the State Security Service, and the National Assembly, addressing alleged financial misconduct under the current registrar, Ishaq Oloyede.
Additionally, he mentioned writing to the Minister of Education, the Head of Service, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Bureau of Public Procurement regarding allegations of corruption, harassment, victimization, and procurement violations.
When asked if his petitions aimed to implicate the JAMB registrar as corrupt, Usman affirmed this. However, when queried about the registrar’s absence from the committee, he stated, “My Lord, I am not aware.” He further clarified that he had not been informed of the registrar and finance director recusing themselves from the committee.
