The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has reacted to the recent backend glitch experienced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), emphasizing the need for careful oversight and due diligence.
In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, COEASU acknowledged that the technological glitches during the JAMB examinations caused significant emotional distress to students and their parents. While the union recognized the strides JAMB has made in recent years by leveraging technology to improve the exam process, it cautioned against blind reliance on technology without proper checks.
Drawing a pointed analogy, COEASU compared the situation to the Nigerian Army’s efforts against terrorism, which have sometimes led to unintended harm, highlighting the importance of caution when deploying technology.
The union commended JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for his honesty and accountability in admitting the board’s errors. COEASU praised his sincerity and willingness to take responsibility, qualities it said are rare among public officials. The statement contrasted this approach with what it described as the “denial culture” seen in other government agencies.
Specifically, COEASU criticized the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), widely condemned for corruption and inefficiencies. Despite clear evidence of its flaws, the IPPIS architects have refused to acknowledge shortcomings or apologize for the negative impact on tertiary institutions. The union also pointed out that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) developed a more reliable system called the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), which IPPIS proponents have ignored.
While welcoming the government’s recent move towards the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GFMIS) for tertiary institutions, COEASU lamented that IPPIS operatives continue to influence the system, causing ongoing salary delays for tertiary staff.
The union did not hold back in criticizing Nigeria’s culture of rewarding failure in public service, noting that many officials responsible for economic decline and insecurity still receive accolades and teach governance. COEASU urged such individuals to follow Professor Oloyede’s example by owning up to their mistakes.
In conclusion, COEASU reiterated its support for the JAMB Registrar’s transparent leadership and called for a thorough review to ensure all candidates affected by the glitch nationwide can participate in the resit exam. The union stressed the need to implement measures that will prevent similar errors from happening again.
