The House of Representatives has summoned the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, following a dramatic walkout by officials of the examination body during a budget probe by the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
The hearing, chaired by Bayelsa lawmaker Obuku Oforji, was convened to examine JAMB’s 2023–2024 budget performance, internally generated revenue remittances, and other financial operations, including bank statements and evidence of transfers to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
According to parliamentary records, JAMB had been formally invited through three letters dated October 6, 17, and 23, 2025, requesting the personal appearance of the Registrar and the submission of relevant financial documents. However, Oloyede sent a Director of the Board, Mufutau Bello, in his stead.
Tensions escalated when Bello reportedly demanded that accredited journalists leave the room, citing the “sensitive financial information” contained in the documents. Lawmakers rejected the request, insisting the session was a public hearing and that only the Committee had authority to determine proceedings. Bello subsequently ordered his team to walk out, leaving lawmakers stunned.
“The walkout is unacceptable and disrespectful,” Oforji said, condemning the action and reaffirming the Committee’s constitutional oversight mandate. “We sent three formal requests to the Registrar. Instead of complying, he sent a representative who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That cannot be tolerated.”
The Committee subsequently summoned Prof. Oloyede to appear in person on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, alongside his management team and all requested financial documents. Lawmakers warned that failure to comply could lead to enforcement actions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Several lawmakers expressed outrage over the agency’s conduct. Abiante described the walkout as a reflection of a culture of impunity among public agencies, emphasizing that oversight is a constitutional responsibility. Rodney Ambaiowei criticised attempts to exclude the press, stressing that transparency is essential when managing public resources. Similarly, Rivers lawmaker Marie Ebikake expressed dismay over the Registrar’s absence and the unclear leadership of the delegation.
“The Registrar must appear to clarify JAMB’s management of public funds,” she said.
Following the incident, the House adjourned the session until November 4, warning that further defiance by JAMB would attract strict parliamentary sanctions.
Abiante later briefed journalists, asserting that legislators would not tolerate unaccountability. “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’s a constitutional duty,” he said.
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