Court upholds JAMB's dismissal of former deputy director, awards N250,000 fine

A former deputy director of Nigeria's Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Yisa Usman, has lost his legal challenge against his dismissal from the examination board. The National Industrial Court in Abuja on June 2 upheld JAMB's decision to terminate Usman's employment for misconduct.

Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae ruled that Usman failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims. The court stated that Usman could not rely on perceived weaknesses in JAMB's defense to win his case. "Consequently, he is not entitled to the declarations he is seeking... They fail and are hereby refused," the judge declared, dismissing all nine reliefs sought by the claimant.

Usman, who worked in JAMB's finance department, was dismissed in July 2023 following disciplinary proceedings. He had argued that the Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee (DSDC) that investigated him was not properly formed and lacked authority. He also claimed his dismissal was retaliation for whistleblowing petitions he filed against JAMB's Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, and other officials, accusing them of corruption and procurement irregularities. These petitions were reportedly sent to agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

JAMB, however, maintained that the petitions were investigated and found to be unfounded. Court records show Usman was issued queries regarding unauthorized disclosure of official information and other misconduct. Despite challenging the disciplinary committee's composition, citing that some members were subjects of his petitions, and citing health issues, JAMB proceeded with the process. He received a dismissal letter on July 3, 2023, following the committee's recommendations, which carried ministerial approval.

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the claimant has failed to prove his case. Consequently, he is not entitled to the declarations he is seeking in reliefs 1, 2, and 3. They fail and are hereby refused. The declarations having failed, the ancillary orders sought in reliefs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 must also fail having no foundation.