Amanze Chinonye
Tension escalated at the National Assembly on Wednesday when officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out of a House of Representatives committee session investigating the agency’s budgetary records.
The House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, chaired by Obuku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), was reviewing JAMB’s 2023–2025 financial statements, including payments to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and the agency’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
The Committee had issued three formal letters on October 6, 17, and 23 – requesting documents and the personal appearance of JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelInstead of appearing personally, Oloyede sent Mufutau Bello, a director in his office. During the session, Bello requested that journalists be excluded, citing “sensitive financial information” in the documents he planned to present. Lawmakers rejected the request, insisting that the hearing remain public. In protest, Bello led the JAMB delegation out of the room.
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Oforji condemned the walkout, calling it “unacceptable” and accusing the agency of evading accountability. “We wrote three letters to the registrar. Instead of appearing, he sent a representative who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That’s very unfortunate,” he said.
Committee members echoed the concern. Awaji‑Inombek Abiante described the walkout as “disrespect for Nigerians,” emphasizing that legislative oversight is a constitutional duty, not a favour. Rodney Amboiowei added, “No agency can dictate how parliament operates. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent.”
Following the walkout, the Committee adjourned the session to next Tuesday and formally summoned Registrar Oloyede to appear in person with all requested documents. Oforji warned that failure to comply could trigger enforcement powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.
The incident underscores rising tension between government agencies citing confidentiality and lawmakers demanding transparency in public finance.
JAMB, as one of Nigeria’s major revenue-generating examination bodies, remains under heightened scrutiny, with questions over IGR remittances and budget accountability yet to be fully addressed.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
