JAMB WALKS OUT ON REPS OVER MEDIA PRESENCE
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
There was mild drama at the National Assembly as officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies.
Trouble started when Mufutau Bello, representing JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, demanded that journalists leave the meeting, citing sensitive documents. Committee Chairman Oboku Oforji refused, insisting the proceedings must remain public.
Visibly upset, Bello ordered his team to leave, shocking lawmakers. In response, Oforji condemned the action as disrespectful and warned that the legislature would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its oversight powers.
He directed Prof. Oloyede to appear before the Committee in person by Tuesday, stressing that their mandate was to ensure transparency, not to witch-hunt any agency.
Oforji revealed that JAMB had ignored three invitations, accusing the agency of avoiding accountability. He warned that the Committee could invoke its constitutional powers if JAMB fails to comply.
Lawmakers later described JAMB’s walkout as contempt of Parliament and a blow to democratic accountability.