Planned probe of JAMB ill-conceived, unnecessary, MMWG tells NASS
*Reveals reason ASUU, NASU must listen to FG, shift grounds over strike
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The resolution of House of Representatives to probe the Joint Matriculation and Examination Board, JAMB, over an allegation of extortion through purported imposition of multiple processing and administrative fees on candidates is ill-conceived and unnecessary.
Saying this in a statement sent to The DEFENDER is Ogun State chapter of Muslim Media Watch Group, MMWG, which not only decried the plan but also described it as an idea in bad faith.
According to the statement signed by its state Coordinator and dated 10 Ramadan,1443 A.H./11 April 2022, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria said adoption of the resolution, following a motion by Rep Serginus Ogun, Edo Federal Constituency, is an attempt to rubbish the progress and the feat attained by the present leadership of the Federal Government agency.
“The present JAMB under the watch of Prof Is-haq Oloyede has carved a niche for itself by an overhaul of the entire system, thus restoring overwhelming confidence and trust in the management of the Universal Tertiary and Matriculation Examinations, UTME.
“JAMB incorruptible Registrar and CEO has not only sanitized the Agency by ensuring decorum and application of ‘due process’ in its activities, he has also made the Agency a reputable federal government parastatals and of reference. This exemplariness”, according to MMWG, “must have earned him his second term appointment as Registrar by President Muhammadu Buhari.”
The group acknowledged the mandatory oversight function of National Assembly provided in Section 88 (1) and (2) of the country’s Constitution, empowering NASS to conduct investigation into the activities of any authority executing or administering laws.
MMWG, however, enjoined the Green Chamber to eschew prejudice and bias in executing the house’s resolution and avoid creating an impression, suggestive of casting aspersions on the good work of the agency under the watch of the present leadership.
An argument by the lawmaker, Rep Serginus Ogun that JAMB by its establishment is an examination conducting body and not a revenue generating organ of government could be likened to “calling a dog a bad name in order to hang it”.
Meanwhile, the Media Watch Group has implored the Federal Government and the striking university teaching and none teaching staff under the aegis of ASUU and NASU to resolve the impasse amidst and stop putting education in jeopardy in the country.
It called on the duo to shift grounds, charging both ASUU and NASU to display understanding with government in the face of worsening economic downturn, just as it, as well, called for magnanimity on the part of the Federal Government.
MMWG enjoined the nation’s leaders and stakeholders in the education sector to wade into the imbroglio and reconcile the government and its employees in the overall interest of national development.
The group charged both the government and the university staff to allow the spirit of ongoing Christian Lenten season and Muslim Ramadan fasting as adherents of both faiths, to touch their hearts and strike a balance, calling on both to explore more dialogues and display of maturity as a viable option to address the recurring impasse.
