There was mild drama at the National Assembly on Wednesday after officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out of an investigative hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies
The committee, led by Hon. Oboku Oforji, had summoned the board to review its 2023–2024 budget performance, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), and bank statements from 2023 to date.
Lawmakers said JAMB received three invitations dated October 6, 17, and 23, 2025, requesting the appearance of its Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, along with relevant financial documents.
However, instead of appearing, Prof. Oloyede sent a director, Mufutau Bello, to represent him.
Trouble began when Bello demanded that journalists be excused from the room, saying the documents he was presenting contained confidential information. The committee rejected the request, insisting its sittings were open to the public and that it alone had the constitutional authority to determine how hearings were conducted.
An argument ensued, during which Bello appeared agitated, ordered his team to pack up, and abruptly walked out of the session—leaving lawmakers visibly shocked.
Angered by the walkout, the committee directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB officials, but they had already left the premises.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” Chairman Oforji warned that the House would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its oversight responsibilities.
“Our duty is to ensure every agency under our watch is accountable to Nigerians. This is not about witch-hunting,” he stated, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to transparency in public fund management.
The committee has now ordered Prof. Oloyede to appear in person with his management team and all requested documents by next Tuesday. “Failure to do so,” Oforji cautioned, “will compel the committee to invoke its powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
Speaking after the heated session, committee members described JAMB’s action as contempt of parliament and an affront to democratic accountability.
The hearing was adjourned to next Tuesday, with a stern warning that any further defiance by the examination body would attract severe parliamentary sanctions.
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