More heads roll at Unam as another scam is uncovered

THE University of Namibia has suspended the head of its Centre for Public Service Training (CPST) after a second suspected scam was uncovered in less than two weeks.

Unam’s Director for Communication, Edwin Tjiramba, said yesterday that Jerry Tobias was suspended after evidence emerged during a preliminary audit by an external firm that some funds from the CPST were mismanaged. Tobias is the Director of the CPST.He has been suspended pending a forensic investigation.Tjiramba said the preliminary investigation had produced sufficient evidence to warrant a suspension.Tobias declined to comment, saying the matter was being handled by his lawyers.The CPST provides short modular courses to all levels of managers and administrators.Tobias’s suspension comes at a time when Unam has suspended a fourth employee from its examination department for allegedly tampering with results.Three others were suspended earlier.Unam has refused to reveal their names as the net is expected to widen.It is alleged that the officials sold exam papers to students while others were involved in marking them up.Earlier Tjiramba said they had mandated external auditors to assist “with a thorough investigation process”.Yesterday he said that Unam would work closely with the Namibian Police in investigating and solving cases.According to Tjiramba, Unam considers the allegations against the suspended officials as very serious.Tobias is the Director of the CPST.He has been suspended pending a forensic investigation.Tjiramba said the preliminary investigation had produced sufficient evidence to warrant a suspension.Tobias declined to comment, saying the matter was being handled by his lawyers.The CPST provides short modular courses to all levels of managers and administrators.Tobias’s suspension comes at a time when Unam has suspended a fourth employee from its examination department for allegedly tampering with results.Three others were suspended earlier.Unam has refused to reveal their names as the net is expected to widen.It is alleged that the officials sold exam papers to students while others were involved in marking them up.Earlier Tjiramba said they had mandated external auditors to assist “with a thorough investigation process”.Yesterday he said that Unam would work closely with the Namibian Police in investigating and solving cases.According to Tjiramba, Unam considers the allegations against the suspended officials as very serious.