OYOSUBEB: We had no role in alleged Common Entrance exam leakage

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) has denied any involvement in the alleged leakage of the results of the just-concluded Common Entrance Examination in the state.

The Board, under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, described the allegation as false and misleading, warning that it could cause unnecessary damage to its reputation and that of its leadership.

OYOSUBEB made its position known in a statement released on Tuesday and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Board said it had no role whatsoever in the conduct or handling of questions for the examination.

It said: “For the avoidance of doubt, OYOSUBEB is not involved at any stage in the conduct, setting, production or handling of questions for the Common Entrance Examination.

“Therefore, any attempt to link the Board, its Executive Chairman or its officials to the alleged leakage is completely unfounded.”

The Board said the administration of Adeniran had consistently maintained transparency, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities.

It said: “The Board wishes to state unequivocally that the administration of Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran has consistently upheld transparency, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities.

“It will not allow unsubstantiated allegations or speculative reports to tarnish the integrity of the Board or its leadership.”

OYOSUBEB further clarified that complaints or inquiries concerning the conduct, administration or outcome of the Common Entrance Examination should be directed to the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

It said: “The Board further wishes to clarify that any complaint, inquiry or concern relating to the conduct, administration or outcome of the just concluded Common Entrance Examination should be directed to the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, which is the appropriate authority responsible for the examination.

“Such matters should not be directed to OYOSUBEB, which has no involvement in the conduct or administration of the examination.”

The Board also urged media organisations to exercise caution when reporting allegations concerning public institutions.

It added: “While OYOSUBEB respects the role of the media in holding public institutions accountable, such responsibility must be exercised with due regard for accuracy, fairness and the fundamental principles of responsible journalism.”

It therefore called on the management and presenters of the radio station where the allegation was reportedly made, as well as other media organisations, to verify information before airing allegations against the Board and its officials.

It said: “The Board therefore calls on the management and presenters of the said radio station, as well as other media organisations, to exercise caution and verify facts before making or airing allegations concerning OYOSUBEB and its officials.”

OYOSUBEB also warned that defamatory statements, false allegations or any continued smear campaign against Adeniran would attract legal action.

The Board said it “will not hesitate to pursue all lawful remedies available to protect the integrity and reputation of its leadership.”

Despite the controversy, OYOSUBEB said it remained focused on its responsibilities in the basic education sector.

It said: “The Board remains focused on its mandate of strengthening basic education in Oyo State and will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to promote quality, transparency and accountability in basic education across the State.”

The Board urged members of the public to disregard the allegation and rely on verified information from the appropriate authorities regarding the Common Entrance Examination.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖