There was mild drama on Wednesday when officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) staged a walkout during the budget session of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
The committee chaired by Oboku Oforji convened to examine JAMB's 2023-2024 budget performance, implementation of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), evidence of remittances into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and bank statements from 2023 to date.
The committee disclosed that it had written three consecutive letters to JAMB on October 6, 17 and 23, 2025, requesting relevant documents and the personal appearance of the Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede. However, instead of honoring the invitation, the Registrar sent a director, Mufutau Bello, to represent himself.
Tensions rose when Bello insisted that journalists vacate the hearing room and claimed that the documents he wanted to present contained sensitive information. The committee refused, saying that its proceedings were public and that it was constitutionally empowered to determine how its meetings would be conducted.
In a twist, the JAMB representative apparently became agitated, ordered his team to leave, and walked out of the session, leaving lawmakers stunned.
Angered by the action, the committee ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB officials, but they had already left the premises.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable”, Oforji warned that the legislature would not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to undermine its oversight authority.
“We wrote three consecutive letters to the registrar requesting these documents. Instead of appearing, they sent a former director who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. This is very unfortunate,” Oforji said.
He emphasized that the committee's job is to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, and not to stalk any agency.
“Our duty is to ensure that every agency under our watch is accountable to Nigerians,” he said.
The Committee has now given JAMB until Tuesday to appear in person to the Registrar along with his management team and submit all requested documents.
“Failure to do so will compel the committee to invoke its powers under sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Oforji warned.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, committee members condemned JAMB's action, calling it contempt of parliament and a slap on democratic accountability.
Awaji-Inombek Dagomi Abiyante said JAMB’s walkout is indicative of a dangerous disregard for legislative authority.
“If JAMB can walk out of the National Assembly Committee, it means they no longer hold themselves accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is not a favor – it is a constitutional duty,” he said.
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Recalling previous controversies involving the disappearance of public funds, Abiente hinted at possible financial irregularities.
He said sarcastically, “We have heard stories where snakes have swallowed money. It may be that this time a larger creature has swallowed the money.”
Rodney Amboiwoyi criticized the agency's attempts to stifle the press and insisted that public funds should be publicly accounted for.
He said, “No agency has the right to dictate how Parliament conducts its business. Nigerians are entitled to know how their money is spent.”
Also speaking, Mary Enenemete Ebikake expressed surprise that the person who led the delegation was not also the Registrar.
“We don't know who this man is. He refused to reveal his identity. For all we know, he may be impersonating. The registrar has to appear by Tuesday to explain what JAMB is doing with public funds,” he said.
The committee session was subsequently adjourned until the following Tuesday, with a stern warning that any further defiance by JAMB would result in severe parliamentary sanctions.
