The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has summoned the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, after officials of the agency abruptly staged a walkout during a budget probe session on Tuesday.
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Oboku Oforji (Bayelsa), had invited JAMB to appear before lawmakers to defend its 2023–2024 budget performance, remittances from internally generated revenue (IGR), and other financial transactions, including bank statements and evidence of transfers to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
According to official records, the Committee issued three separate invitations to the Registrar on October 6, 17, and 23, 2025, requesting his personal appearance along with all relevant documents. However, Oloyede failed to attend and instead delegated Mr. Mufutau Bello, a Director at JAMB, to represent him.
Confrontation and Walkout
Tensions escalated when Bello reportedly asked journalists to vacate the session, claiming that the documents under review contained “sensitive financial information.” The lawmakers firmly rejected the request, emphasizing that the hearing was a public proceeding and that only the Committee had the authority to determine its conduct.
In a surprising turn, Bello and his team walked out of the meeting, defying the Committee’s directives. The move drew immediate condemnation from the lawmakers, who described it as a “gross act of disrespect” toward the National Assembly’s oversight powers.
Chairman Oforji, visibly displeased, denounced the conduct as “unacceptable and unconstitutional.”
“We sent three formal invitations 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,” Oforji said.
Summons and Legal Threat
In response, the Committee resolved to summon Prof. Oloyede to appear in person on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, alongside his management team and with all requested financial documents. Lawmakers also warned that failure to comply could attract enforcement measures under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly to summon individuals and enforce attendance through legal means.
Lawmakers Condemn JAMB’s Conduct
Members of the Committee took turns to criticize the examination body’s actions.
Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante described the walkout as a clear act of impunity, warning that such disregard for legislative oversight undermines public accountability.
“Oversight is not a favour; it is a constitutional duty. If JAMB can ignore the National Assembly, it raises grave concerns about how public funds are managed,” he stated.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, faulted the agency’s attempt to exclude the press, stressing that transparency is fundamental in public administration.
“No agency has the right to dictate how parliament operates. Transparency is not optional when dealing with public resources,” he declared.
Similarly, Hon. Marie Ebikake (Rivers) expressed dismay at Oloyede’s absence, noting that the identity of the delegation sent by JAMB was unclear.
“We do not even know who led the team. The Registrar must appear before this Committee to explain JAMB’s financial management,” she said.
Next Steps
The Committee has adjourned the session until November 4, 2025, reiterating that any further defiance by JAMB would attract strict parliamentary sanctions.
The development underscores growing tension between the legislature and public agencies over transparency, compliance, and accountability in the management of public funds.
