News

Job Racketeering: Reps Query JAMB Registrar, Oloyede Over Controversial Employment

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2023

The House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee probing job racketeering by Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System IPPIS on Monday queried the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, Isaq Oloyede for employing 300 staff members without a public advertisement of the job vacancies.

The panel chaired by Yusuf Gagdi demanded that the agency immediately submit to it the list of all persons employed between 2015- 2023.

Gagdi accused JAMB of shortchanging the country, failing to avail Nigerians opportunity to apply when the jobs were vacants.

He said that from the documents available to the probe panel, the examination body had simply filled job vacancies without due process including shortlisting and interview of job seekers.

He added that the examination body relied on waivers for staff recruitment
without adhering to the provisions of the law on non engagement of more than 100 staff annually.

He further added that recruiting about 300 staff through waiver violates the federal character principle, adding that a waiver is to be granted only if an agency is collapsing.

“What makes you think advertising wouldn’t have been better? You have the capacity to screen the people that apply to get better hands to do those jobs. I am asking this because we are most interested in correcting the fraud associated with waivers,” he said.

Responding, Prof Oloyede said the agency did not violate the federal character principle in the job recruitment exercise it conducted from 2015 till date.

In his words, JAMB got waiver from the relevant agencies to fill existing vacancies, adding that the board had five sets of recruitment in the period under review.

“We used the waiver because we believe the exigency of the time and the nature of our work deserved it. If we were to advertise for the 300, we wouldn’t have been able to meet up with what we needed them for”.

“I believe very strongly that it was very necessary at that time that we recruited and I assure you that we did not surcharge those who were qualified”.

He further explained that the alleged lopsided employment by the examination body was as a result of the need to fill vacancies in the over 40 offices nationwide, adding that most of the exercise was done in consultation with state governors.

Gagdi in his ruling urged the agency to submit the nominal roll of its staff recruited from 2015-2023 in tabular form on a state by state basis within four weeks.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

7 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

7 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

8 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.