Court Upholds Dismissal of Ex-JAMB Deputy Director, Awards ₦250,000 Costs

The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed the dismissal of a former Deputy Director in the Finance Department of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr. Yisa Usman, from the service of the examination body.

The court also ordered him to pay ₦250,000 in costs to JAMB following the judgment delivered on June 2, 2026, in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/266/2023.

Mr. Usman was dismissed in July 2023 over allegations of gross misconduct and wilful disobedience to constituted authority. He later approached the court, arguing that his termination was unlawful and that he was denied fair hearing.

However, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae held that the dismissal was carried out in line with JAMB’s staff regulations and that the claimant was given adequate opportunity to respond to allegations against him.

The court noted that Mr. Usman had been issued queries, responded in writing, and was invited to appear before a disciplinary committee but failed to attend, describing this as a personal choice that weakened his case.

The judge further ruled that the Minister of Education acted within statutory powers in approving the dismissal, especially in the absence of a governing board, adding that the same authority had previously approved the claimant’s promotion.

The court also dismissed claims that his removal was linked to whistleblowing activities, stating that investigations by anti-corruption agencies did not substantiate his allegations.

Justice Obaseki-Osaghae concluded that the claimant’s conduct amounted to gross misconduct and wilful disobedience, which justified his dismissal from service.