Tension erupted at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) hearing on Wednesday at the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies when JAMB officials unexpectedly exited the session after refusing to comply with the committee’s demand for full disclosure.
Gatekeepers News reports that the session had been convened to scrutinise JAMB’s 2023–2024 budget performance, its internally generated revenue (IGR), remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), and its bank statements.
The committee’s chairman, Oboku Oforji, revealed that the agency received letters on October 6, 17, and 23 requesting the submission of documents and the personal attendance of JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede.
Instead of appearing, Oloyede sent a director, Mufutau Bello, who, during the proceedings, demanded that journalists be removed because the documents to be presented contained sensitive information. The committee rejected the request, insisting that its oversight work was public.
Unwilling to proceed with the hearing under those conditions, Bello and his delegation walked out, prompting the committee chair to order the sergeant-at-arms to arrest them, though they had already exited the venue.
Following the walk-out, the committee gave JAMB a deadline of next Tuesday to have Registrar Oloyede appear in person with the requested documents. Chairman Oforji warned that non-compliance would trigger action under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution including potential arrest.
Committee members voiced their frustration with JAMB’s conduct. Awaji‑Inombek Abiante said, “If JAMB can walk out on a National Assembly committee, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is not a favour; it’s a constitutional duty.”
Another member, Rodney Amboiowei, added, “Public funds must be accounted for in the open. It is not JAMB’s right to dictate how parliament conducts its business. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent.”
According to sources, the controversy may be linked to JAMB’s reported ₦55 billion remittance to the federal government between 2016 and 2023 — a figure lawmakers say requires thorough scrutiny amid concerns over the agency’s revenue management practices.
