House Committee Orders JAMB Registrar to Appear After Walkout

Officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out of a House of Representatives committee hearing after a dispute over press access to the proceedings.

The House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, led by Oboku Oforji, had summoned JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to explain the agency’s 2023–2024 budget performance and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Despite three invitations, Oloyede did not appear and instead sent a director, Mufutau Bello, to represent him.

Tensions rose when Bello demanded that journalists leave the hearing room, citing the sensitivity of documents he intended to present.

Lawmakers refused, insisting the committee’s sittings were public.

Bello then ordered his team to leave, prompting outrage among members.

Committee chairman Oforji condemned the walkout as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” warning that the legislature would not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to undermine its oversight powers.

He directed JAMB’s Registrar to appear in person by Tuesday next week with all requested documents or risk sanctions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.

Addressing newsmen, Lawmakers described the incident as contempt of parliament.

Mr Awaji-Inombek Abiante member from Rivers State, said JAMB’s action “shows a disregard for legislative authority,”

While Rep. Rodney Amboiowei, a member from Bayelsa State, criticized the attempt to bar journalists, saying, “Public funds must be publicly accounted for.”

The hearing was adjourned until next week Tuesday.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji