There was mild drama at the National Assembly when representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) staged a walkout during a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
The tension began when Mufutau Bello, a Director representing the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, insisted that journalists vacate the hearing room.
Bello claimed that the documents scheduled for presentation contained “sensitive information” that should not be disclosed publicly.
However, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboku Oforji, rejected the request, stressing that the committee’s proceedings were public by law and that the legislature was constitutionally empowered to determine the conduct of its sittings.
Despite repeated appeals for calm, Bello reportedly became visibly agitated, instructed his team to leave, and walked out of the session—leaving lawmakers visibly stunned.
In response, Hon. Oforji expressed strong disapproval, adding that the National Assembly “will not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to undermine its oversight authority.”
Addressing journalists after the incident, Oforji directed the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Oloyede, to appear in person with his management team before Tuesday, next week, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the management of public funds.
Oforji clarified that the committee’s role was to ensure transparency and accountability, not to victimize any government agency.
“We wrote three consecutive letters to the Registrar requesting these documents. Instead of appearing, he sent a former Director who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That is very unfortunate,” Oforji said.
“Our duty is to ensure every agency under our watch is accountable to Nigerians. Failure to do so will compel us to invoke our powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
Other members of the Committee in their separate contributions condemned JAMB’s action, describing it as a contempt of the Parliament and a slap on democratic accountability.
They reaffirmed their commitment to uphold legislative oversight and ensure all education agencies comply with the principles of openness and public responsibility.
