The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting workers’ welfare and preserving the independence of labour unions, declaring that management would never interfere in the democratic process of electing union leaders.
Oloyede made the declaration on Wednesday during the regular meeting of the Examination Bodies and Libraries Trade Group Council of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, at the JAMB National Headquarters, Bwari, Abuja, where he also unveiled multi-billion naira initiatives aimed at enhancing the financial security of the Board’s workforce.
Speaking at the event, the JAMB Registrar announced a series of welfare measures, including over N8 billion in pension contributions, improved retirement benefits and enhanced staff allowances, as part of efforts to guarantee employees a secure and dignified post-service life.
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According to Oloyede, only leaders elected through a transparent and democratic process deserve recognition by management, stressing that any attempt to influence union elections would undermine workers’ confidence and the integrity of organised labour.
“I will never participate, directly or indirectly, in the selection or election of any union leader. Whoever emerges through a credible democratic process is the person I will engage because that individual truly represents the workforce,” he said.
He cautioned union officials against compromising the confidence reposed in them by members, arguing that leaders who betray their mandate eventually lose credibility.
“If you can betray those who elected you, then you can betray anyone. I cannot work with people who abandon the interests of their constituents,” he added.
Speaking on JAMB’s achievements in staff welfare, Oloyede said the Board had introduced a 13th-month salary, secured approval for examination allowances and successfully increased the allowance rate from 10 to 25 per cent through due process.
He noted that although JAMB sought a higher percentage, it accepted the Federal Government’s approved rate rather than violate established regulations.
“We will always do what is right and lawful. Our commitment is to transparency and due process,” he said.
The Registrar further disclosed that JAMB had invested more than N8 billion in employees’ retirement savings through their Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, with annual remittances running into billions of naira.
He explained that the initiative was intended to provide workers with financial stability after retirement while discouraging corruption by ensuring that honest service is adequately rewarded.
Oloyede also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for restoring gratuity payments to retiring federal workers and improving retirement benefits, describing the policy as a significant milestone in public sector welfare.
He encouraged other government institutions to adopt similar measures that prioritise employees’ welfare and long-term financial security.
The JAMB Registrar also praised NASU for consistently defending workers’ interests without compromising its core mandate, recalling his longstanding relationship with the union dating back to his years at the University of Ilorin.
He expressed appreciation to the union for recognising JAMB’s reforms, pledging to proudly display the commemorative award presented to him during the meeting.
Earlier, Chairman of the NASU JAMB Branch, Mr. Andrew Onakpa, welcomed delegates from examination bodies and library institutions nationwide, describing the gathering as an important platform for advancing workers’ welfare and strengthening solidarity within the union.
He urged participants to engage in productive deliberations on labour issues, improved conditions of service and institutional development, while commending JAMB management for supporting the hosting of the national meeting.
Onakpa also applauded the national leadership of NASU, led by its President, Dr. Hassan Makolo, and General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, for their dedication to promoting the welfare and unity of members across the country.
The two-day meeting attracted delegates from examination bodies and library institutions nationwide to deliberate on labour matters, workers’ welfare and strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
The event featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence and Distinguished Service to Oloyede in recognition of his far-reaching reforms and contributions to the growth of JAMB and staff welfare.
