JAMB apologises to reps panel after officials walked out of budget scrutiny meeting

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has apologised to the house of representatives committee on basic education and examination bodies after its officials walked out on the panel during an earlier meeting.

On 29 October, JAMB officials, led by Morouf Bello, a director at the registrar’s office, walked out during a meeting called to scrutinise the board’s budget, check how it has used its own money, confirm payments to the consolidated revenue fund, and review its bank statements from 2023 until now.

The board on Thursday submitted all documents requested by the committee during a sitting at the national assembly.

Oboku Oforji, chairman of the committee, said the investigation followed a resolution of the house on a motion of urgent public importance adopted on 15 May.

The lawmaker said the house seeks to address the crisis recorded during the 2025 unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME).

He noted that the lower legislative chamber has proposed the establishment of at least one computer-based test (CBT) centre in each of the 774 LGAs to prevent a recurrence.

Oforji said the committee would engage JAMB on the implementation of its budget and internally generated revenue (IGR) from 2023 to date, evidence of remittances to the consolidated revenue fund (CRF), and the board’s bank statements within the same period.

He stressed that the committee was not engaged in a witch-hunt, adding that cooperation from government agencies is essential for effective parliamentary oversight.

The committee chair condemned the conduct of the JAMB delegation at the previous meeting, warning that they would not tolerate further acts of disrespect from any agency.

“We will not allow ministries or agencies to intimidate or disrespect the parliament,” he said.

The chairman acknowledged receipt of the documents submitted by JAMB, noting that the committee would examine them and communicate further with the board.

Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, apologised for the incident involving the board’s representative.

Oloyede said he has deep respect for the parliament and would not approve any action that undermines its authority.

Oloyede added that the board had submitted all documents requested by the committee.