Drama at National Assembly as JAMB Officials Walk Out on Reps Committee

Tension gripped the National Assembly on Wednesday when officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) staged a dramatic walkout during an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Oforji Oboku, had summoned JAMB to clarify issues relating to its 2023 and 2024 budget performance, internally generated revenue (IGR), and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The JAMB delegation, led by Mufutau Alabi Bello, a director representing the Registrar’s Office, had barely taken their seats when confrontation erupted. After the lawmakers introduced themselves, the JAMB officials declined to do the same, insisting that the session be held behind closed doors and that journalists be asked to leave.

The lawmakers rejected the request, citing the need for transparency and public accountability. In protest, the JAMB officials abruptly stood up and walked out of the session, accusing the committee of attempting to embarrass them.

Their action sparked outrage among members of the committee. The chairman immediately directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB representative, but the delegation had already left the premises.

Describing the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” Hon. Oboku condemned the conduct of the officials, warning that the legislature would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its oversight powers.

> “We wrote three consecutive letters to the JAMB Registrar requesting documents. Instead of honouring our invitation, the Registrar failed to appear and sent a former Director of Finance and Accounts, who accused us of trying to embarrass them. That is very unfortunate,” Oboku said.



He emphasized that the committee’s role was not to witch-hunt agencies but to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

The committee has now given JAMB until next Tuesday for the Registrar to appear in person with all requested documents.

> “Failure to comply will compel the committee to take appropriate actions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” Oboku warned.



Other lawmakers also expressed anger over the incident, describing it as a disrespect to Parliament and the Nigerian people.

Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante said JAMB’s action amounted to contempt of the National Assembly and questioned the agency’s commitment to transparency.

> “If JAMB can walk out on the National Assembly, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. When an agency refuses to answer questions about public funds, something is clearly wrong,” he said.



He also recalled past controversies involving JAMB’s financial management, remarking sarcastically,

> “We once heard that a snake swallowed money; perhaps this time a bigger creature has swallowed more, and they’re not ready for the autopsy.”



Similarly, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei faulted JAMB’s demand for a closed-door meeting, insisting that public accountability must be conducted openly.

> “Public funds are for Nigerians, and Nigerians have a right to know how their money is spent,” he said.



Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake questioned the identity of the JAMB representative who led the delegation, noting that the Registrar was absent and that the officials even refused to introduce themselves.

> “For all we know, the man who walked out could have been impersonating JAMB. The Registrar must appear personally to clarify these issues,” she added.



The House committee reaffirmed its commitment to uphold legislative oversight and transparency, warning that any agency that disregards parliamentary authority would face constitutional sanctions.

The drama marks yet another tense chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of public institutions and their management of Nigeria’s finances.