The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has publicly apologised to the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education after its officials abruptly left an earlier budget review session, triggering backlash from lawmakers.
The confrontation occurred on 29 October when a JAMB team led by Morouf Bello, a senior director in the registrar’s office, walked out of a meeting convened to scrutinise the board’s finances, probe its remittances to the consolidated revenue fund, and review its bank records from 2023 to date.
The action briefly stalled the ongoing investigation into the agency’s operations.
During a fresh appearance at the National Assembly on Thursday, JAMB submitted all outstanding documents demanded by the committee, including detailed financial statements and evidence of remittances.
Committee chair Oboku Oforji confirmed receipt of the documents, saying lawmakers would “go through every line and request clarifications where necessary.”
Oforji explained that the investigation stemmed from a resolution adopted on 15 May, following concerns over widespread disruptions during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
According to him, the House aims to prevent another system failure by pushing for at least one computer-based testing centre in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
The committee is also examining JAMB’s implementation of its yearly budget, its internally generated revenue, and all remittances to the consolidated revenue fund.
Oforji emphasised that the exercise is focused on accountability, not hostility, adding that public institutions must cooperate with parliamentary checks.
“This committee is carrying out its constitutional duty,” he said during the session. “No agency will be allowed to undermine or disrespect the parliament again.”
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, apologised for the walkout, describing it as an “unfortunate misunderstanding” that does not reflect the board’s stance toward the legislature.
He told lawmakers that all requested documents had been submitted and pledged continued cooperation with the committee’s inquiries.
Moreover, Oloyede stressed that his office values transparency and respects the oversight powers of the National Assembly.
He added that the agency remains committed to improving the examination process to prevent the lapses recorded in 2025.
The committee is expected to review the submitted documents and schedule a follow-up engagement with the board.