Reps, JAMB Officials Clash As Board Walks Out Of Budget Hearing

A heated scene played out at the National Assembly on Wednesday when officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out of a budget oversight session with the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.

The Committee, chaired by Oboku Oforji (Bayelsa), had invited JAMB to explain its 2023–2024 budget performance, internally generated revenue, and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Despite three invitations dated October 6, 17, and 23, Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede failed to appear, sending Director Mufutau Bello in his place.

Tension rose when Bello demanded that accredited journalists leave the room, citing “sensitive financial information.” Lawmakers rejected the request, insisting the hearing was public. Bello then ordered his team to leave, prompting outrage among Committee members.

Describing the walkout as “unacceptable and disrespectful,” Oforji said the Committee’s role was to promote transparency, not to embarrass agencies. The lawmakers gave Prof. Oloyede until Tuesday, November 4, to appear in person with all requested documents or face sanctions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.

Lawmakers including Abiante, Rodney Ambaiowei, and Marie Ebikake condemned JAMB’s action as contemptuous. They said the walkout reflected a growing disregard by public agencies for legislative oversight and accountability.

“The National Assembly’s oversight is not a favour, it is a constitutional duty,” Abiante said. “If JAMB can ignore parliament, it raises serious questions about the management of public funds.”

The Committee adjourned the session until next Tuesday, warning that any further defiance by JAMB would attract strict sanctions.