Drama erupted at the National Assembly on Wednesday as officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) abruptly walked out of a sitting of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies. The committee, chaired by Hon. Oforji Oboku, had convened the meeting to scrutinize JAMB’s 2023 and 2024 budget performance, internally generated revenue (IGR), and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
The walkout occurred moments after the JAMB delegation, led by Mufutau Alabi Bello from the Registrar’s Office, refused to identify themselves and demanded the hearing be held behind closed doors, insisting journalists be excluded. The lawmakers firmly rejected this request, emphasizing the need for transparency in public financial accountability.In response, the JAMB representatives abruptly stood up and left the hearing room, accusing the committee of attempting to embarrass them. This action sparked immediate outrage from committee members, who considered the walkout disrespectful and obstructive.
Therefore, Chairman Oboku condemned the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” affirming that the National Assembly would not tolerate conduct undermining its oversight responsibilities. He revealed repeated attempts to secure the Registrar’s presence and documents had been ignored, with the committee now demanding that the Registrar appear in person with relevant documents by next Tuesday. Failure to comply, the chairman warned, would trigger further actions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.
Several lawmakers described the walkout as contempt of Parliament and a severe breach of public accountability. Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante expressed concerns that such conduct raises doubts about transparency in JAMB’s financial dealings, recalling past controversies involving missing public funds. Similarly, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei criticized the demand for a closed-door session as contradictory to expected openness in public institutions.
Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake questioned the legitimacy of the delegation’s leader, highlighting the absence of the Registrar and the refusal of officials to identify themselves. She stressed the urgency for JAMB’s top management to present a clear account of their financial operations and vowed the committee’s insistence on transparency would not waver.
