TheCable

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda has asked the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to probe the finances of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) since 1999. 

Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA chairman, said the group is seriously concerned about the remittance of N7.8 billion by Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, into the coffers of the government.

It said the remittance was made within one year of his appointment, making it historic in the 40-year existence of the examination body.

It added that if such an amount could be remitted in a year, then previous administrations “diverted or misappropriated fund”.

HEDA’s petition to EFCC reads: “This is the first of its kind in its 40 years of existence, from a non-focal revenue generating agency of government.

“However, HEDA is really concerned that if this is possible, then what has been happening in the past?

“This is a big difference when compared to a maximum of N30 million per annum remitted in the past.

“We believe that your Commission should take appropriate measures as may be necessary to investigate and probe JAMB to establish any financial impropriety against past or present heads and officials of the Board that might have been committed intentionally.

“Also, the embezzlement, misappropriation or other diversion by any public official for his or her benefit or for the benefit of another entity or person entrusted to such public official by virtue of his or her position.

“The fight against corruption must leave no room for any person to abuse public trust bestowed on him or her by engaging in corrupt practices, stealing public funds that can be used in addressing other development challenges.

“The possibly diverted or misappropriated fund, if properly applied and utilised, will contribute in great measure to upgrading the facilities of higher institutions across the country

“HEDA Resource Centre is hereby calling on you to use your good office to open extensive investigation and beam your eagle eyes on the past financial records of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and to probe where necessary to ensure that all loopholes that encourage corrupt practices are blocked and prevented.”