Daniel Otera
Tempers flared at the National Assembly on Wednesday when officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) abruptly walked out of a scheduled oversight hearing, leaving lawmakers stunned and demanding answers.
The House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, chaired by Bayelsa representative Oboku Oforji, had summoned JAMB to present its 2023–2024 budget performance, revenue remittances, and financial records—including bank statements and transfers to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Despite receiving three formal invitations dated October 6, 17, and 23, Registrar Prof Ishaq Oloyede failed to appear, sending Director Mufutau Bello in his place.
Tensions escalated when Bello insisted that accredited journalists vacate the hearing room, citing the sensitivity of the financial documents. Lawmakers refused, asserting that the session was public and that only the Committee had the authority to set its terms. In response, Bello ordered his team to leave the premises, prompting outrage from committee members.
“This is unacceptable and disrespectful,” Oforji declared. “We sent three formal requests to the Registrar. Instead of complying, he sent a representative who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That is unfortunate and cannot be tolerated.”
The Committee immediately instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to detain the officials, but they had already exited the building. Lawmakers then issued a final summons for Prof Oloyede to appear in person on Tuesday, November 4, with his full management team and all requested documents. Failure to comply, they warned, could trigger enforcement under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Several lawmakers condemned the walkout as a blatant disregard for parliamentary oversight. Rivers lawmaker Marie Ebikake expressed concern over the delegation’s lack of clarity. “We do not even know who led the delegation. The Registrar must appear on Tuesday to clarify JAMB’s management of public funds,” she said.
Rodney Ambaiowei criticised the attempt to exclude the press, stating, “No agency can dictate how parliament operates. Transparency is not optional when it comes to public resources.”
Abiante added, “Oversight is not a favour; it is a constitutional responsibility. If JAMB can ignore the National Assembly, it raises serious concerns about how public funds are managed.”
The Committee adjourned the session, warning that any further defiance would invite strict parliamentary sanctions.