From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, COEASU expressed sympathy with candidates and parents affected by the recent technical glitches experienced during JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), noting that the incident caused “significant emotional trauma.”

While acknowledging the technological advancements the board has made in recent years, the union said that the recent mishap shows the inherent risks in technology deployment and the need for caution. COEASU referenced the Nigerian Army’s well-intentioned efforts to combat terrorism that have sometimes resulted in unintended civilian harm.

Despite the setback, the union praised Prof. Oloyede for swiftly owning up to the errors, describing his approach as “uncommon among public servants.” According to COEASU, his sincerity, accountability, and commitment to resolving the issue provide a benchmark for ethical leadership in public service.

“In contrast to this admirable display,” the union noted, “are officials behind the widely condemned Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), who have continued to defend a system riddled with inefficiencies and corruption.”

COEASU reiterated its support for the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), developed by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as a better alternative to IPPIS. Although the government recently announced the migration of tertiary institutions’ payroll systems to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GFMIS), the union expressed concern that the continued connection to IPPIS has resulted in persistent salary delays, an issue it claims benefits corrupt insiders.

Beyond payroll issues, the union criticized some public office holders who have played roles in worsening Nigeria’s economic woes and insecurity, yet continue to receive accolades or parade themselves as leadership icons. COEASU urged such individuals to take a cue from Oloyede by acknowledging their shortcomings and taking corrective action.

“His leadership sets a positive example for public servants, and we hope that his approach will be emulated by others,” the statement read.

The union further called on JAMB to ensure that all candidates affected by the examination error across the country are given a fair opportunity to participate in the rescheduled examination and urged the board to implement adequate safeguards to prevent a recurrence.