JAMB Walks Out On House Committee Over Media Presence

By Angel Ike

Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) staged a walkout on Wednesday during a session of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies.

The committee, chaired by Oboku Oforji, had convened to scrutinize JAMB’s 2023–2024 budget performance, remittances to the Federation Account, and bank statements.

Tension arose when Mufutau Bello, a JAMB Director representing the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, demanded that journalists leave the room, claiming the documents to be presented contained sensitive information.

However, the committee refused, insisting that its proceedings were public and constitutionally mandated.In response, Bello became visibly agitated, ordered his team to exit, and walked out, leaving lawmakers stunned.

The committee then ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB officials, but they had already left the premises.

Chairman Oforji subsequently gave the Registrar a six-day ultimatum to appear before the committee or face legal action.

He said, “We wrote three consecutive letters to the Registrar requesting these documents. Instead of appearing, he sent a former Director who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That is very unfortunate.”

After the meeting, committee members condemned JAMB’s conduct, describing it as contempt of Parliament and a blow to democratic accountability.

Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said JAMB’s walkout signaled a serious disregard for legislative authority.

“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 is a constitutional duty,” he stated.

Abiante hinted at possible financial irregularities, referencing prior controversies involving missing public funds.

“We’ve heard stories where money was swallowed by snakes. Perhaps this time, a larger creature is responsible,” he remarked.

Rodney Amboiowei criticised the agency’s attempt to bar the press, emphasising that public funds must be transparently accounted for.

“No agency has the right to dictate how Parliament conducts its business. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent,” he affirmed.

Marie Enenimiete Ebikake expressed surprise that the delegation leader was not the Registrar.

“We don’t know who this man is. He refused to identify himself. For all we know, he could be impersonating. The Registrar must appear by Tuesday to explain what JAMB is doing with public funds,” she declared.

The Committee adjourned the session until next Tuesday, warning that any further disregard by JAMB would lead to serious parliamentary sanctions.