The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has apologised to the House of Representatives for the unruly behaviour of a senior Board official during an investigative hearing. His appearance before the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies marked his first engagement with lawmakers since the incident.
Background to the Tension
The controversy erupted in October when a JAMB Director, Mufutau Bello—who represented Oloyede at the earlier session—walked out on the committee. Before leaving, he attempted to force journalists out of the venue, claiming the documents he brought were too sensitive for public scrutiny.
However, lawmakers insisted the hearing must remain public. Instead of complying, Bello abruptly exited the chamber with his team, a move that shocked members of the House.
Oloyede Distances JAMB From Bello’s Conduct
While addressing the committee, Prof. Oloyede clearly dissociated JAMB from the director’s actions. He emphasized his long-standing respect for the National Assembly and noted that he would never support behaviour that undermines parliamentary authority.
Oloyede further explained that the Board has since submitted every document the committee previously requested. In addition, he assured lawmakers that such an incident would not occur again.
Committee Reacts Strongly to Bello’s Walkout
The Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboku Oforji, condemned the director’s conduct, describing it as an affront to the Legislature. According to him, government agencies must cooperate fully with oversight functions as required by law.
He reminded JAMB that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations and exercise oversight over ministries, departments and agencies. This ongoing probe, he explained, began after a resolution passed on May 15, 2025, following complaints from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Key Issues Under Investigation
The committee is currently examining the following:
- JAMB’s 2023–2025 budget implementation
- All internally generated revenue
- Remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund
- Bank statements and financial operations
- Management of UTME-related complaints
Oforji stressed that the exercise is not a witch-hunt. Instead, it is intended to improve transparency and strengthen the integrity of national examinations.
Conclusion
With the apology accepted and the required documents submitted, the committee expects full cooperation going forward. Lawmakers insist that accountability is essential, while JAMB maintains that the incident does not reflect its values or its relationship with the National Assembly.
