Reps Summon JAMB Registrar After Officials Walk Out Of Hearing

Drama unfolded at the National Assembly on Wednesday when officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out of a House of Representatives hearing, sparking outrage among lawmakers.

The hearing was organised by the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, chaired by Bayelsa lawmaker Oboku Oforji, to review JAMB’s 2023–2024 budget performance, revenue remittances, and financial records, including evidence of transfers to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Despite being invited three times — on October 6, 17, and 23 — JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede failed to appear before the Committee. Instead, he sent a representative, Director Mufutau Bello, to speak on his behalf.

Tension rose when Bello asked that journalists accredited by the National Assembly be asked to leave the session, arguing that some of JAMB’s financial documents were confidential. Lawmakers rejected the demand, insisting that the hearing was public and that only the Committee could decide the terms of engagement.

Angered by the lawmakers’ refusal, Bello reportedly led his team out of the hearing room. The Committee immediately ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to detain the officials, but they had already left the premises.

Committee Chairman Oboku Oforji described the walkout as a deliberate act of disrespect toward the National Assembly. He said the Registrar had ignored multiple invitations and accused the lawmakers of trying to embarrass JAMB.

The Committee has now directed Professor Oloyede to appear in person on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, along with his management team and all requested financial documents. Lawmakers warned that failure to comply could lead to constitutional sanctions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.

Several members of the Committee criticised JAMB’s behaviour. Abiante said the walkout showed a disregard for accountability and transparency, noting that oversight is a constitutional duty, not a personal favour.

Another lawmaker, Marie Ebikake from Rivers State, expressed concern that the Committee could not even identify who led JAMB’s delegation, insisting that the Registrar must personally appear to answer questions about the agency’s financial management.

The Committee adjourned the hearing to next Tuesday and warned that any further defiance by JAMB would attract strict parliamentary action.