Yisa Usman, the former Deputy Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has pledged to expose alleged corruption within the board despite facing threats and intimidation. His bold declaration comes as part of his ongoing legal battle against JAMB, where he seeks redress for his alleged unlawful dismissal.
Usman, who was dismissed from his position in 2023, has filed a lawsuit seeking ₦150 million in damages. The case, marked NICN/ABJ/266/2023, was filed by Usman’s legal representative, Oseini Bamigbaye, from the Chambers of Mohammed Shuaibu. The lawsuit demands nine reliefs, including the annulment of the disciplinary committee set up by JAMB’s management. Usman argues that the committee was unconstitutional and violated the board’s Staff Manual and Conditions of Service.
In a session at the National Industrial Court in Abuja on January 22, 2024, Usman testified as the sole witness in the suit, cross-examined by JAMB’s counsel, A.A. Owonikoko. During his testimony, Usman confirmed that he had filed multiple petitions to various government bodies, accusing JAMB of financial misconduct and other corrupt practices under the leadership of the current Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede.
“I have written to the Attorney General, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the State Security Service (SSS), the National Assembly, and other institutions regarding the financial mismanagement at JAMB,” Usman stated.
The former deputy director also addressed the issue of his termination, admitting that he had been questioned by JAMB and had responded to the queries.
He revealed that he had written a protest letter about the composition of the disciplinary committee. “I sent my response to my superior and ensured that all directors were aware by sending the message to their email addresses,” Usman explained.
Regarding his allegations against the JAMB management, Usman firmly stated, “Yes, all my petitions were aimed at holding the JAMB registrar accountable for corruption.” However, when asked if he was aware that the registrar and finance director had recused themselves from the disciplinary committee, Usman denied knowledge of such action.
Usman also addressed the criminal charge brought against him, stating, “The charge filed against me at the Federal High Court has nothing to do with the investigation of my allegations against JAMB. It was unrelated to the petitions I submitted.”
The court proceedings also revealed that Usman had contested the financial audits conducted by the JAMB management and denied any involvement in the infractions allegedly identified during these audits.
Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, presiding over the case, admitted the claimant’s documents as evidence, and the trial was adjourned until February 27, 2024, for the defendant to present its defense.
As the case unfolds, Usman remains determined to continue his fight against what he describes as a corrupt system at JAMB, reaffirming his commitment to exposing these alleged wrongdoings regardless of the personal cost.
