ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Officials from Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) staged a dramatic walkout during a House of Representatives committee hearing on Wednesday, prompting lawmakers to accuse the agency of disrespect and threaten constitutional sanctions.
The incident occurred during a budget review session convened by the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to examine JAMB’s 2023–2024 financial performance, including its internally generated revenue and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Tensions escalated when JAMB’s delegation, led by Director Mufutau Bello, requested that journalists be excluded from the proceedings, citing the sensitive nature of the documents they intended to present. Committee members rejected the request, insisting that the session remain open to the public in accordance with legislative transparency rules.
Following the refusal, Bello and his team abruptly exited the meeting. Lawmakers described the walkout as “unprecedented” and “unacceptable,” accusing the agency of attempting to evade public accountability.
“You cannot disrespect us,” Committee Chairman Oboku Oforji said, warning that the National Assembly would invoke Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to compel the appearance of JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who was absent from the hearing. Oloyede has been summoned to appear before the committee by November 4.
Lawmakers expressed frustration over JAMB’s failure to respond to three prior letters requesting its 2023 bank statements. The committee said the agency’s conduct undermines legislative oversight and sets a dangerous precedent for other public institutions.
The walkout has sparked debate over the balance between transparency and confidentiality in public finance. While JAMB maintains that certain financial details should be shielded from public view, legislators argue that budgetary scrutiny must remain open.
JAMB has not issued a formal statement on the incident. The House committee said it will continue its investigation and may consider further sanctions if the agency fails to comply with its summons.
