BUDGET DEFENCE: NASS Clears JAMB of Financial Impropriety

Caroline Ameh

The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance has cleared the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of alleged financial impropriety, following accusations leveled against the examination body during its budget defense session on Monday.

The Committee had raised concerns over JAMB’s expenditure, particularly questioning the alleged spending of N1.1 billion on meals and N850 million on fumigation, which it described as outrageous.

During the session, JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, attempted to clarify the expenditure but was asked to submit detailed documentation on the Board’s budgetary appropriation and spending for 2024 and 2025.

However, in a statement released 48 hours later, the Committee’s Chairman admitted that JAMB and its Registrar were wrongly accused. The statement clarified that the Board’s financial records indicated no reckless spending or financial mismanagement.

The statement, titled “Clarification on the JAMB Report on Revenue”, reads:
“For the purpose of clarity, the comprehensive report provided by JAMB indicates that the line items mentioned during Monday’s hearing on revenue do not suggest any mismanagement or misuse of the Board’s funds.

“On the contrary, the report highlights the responsible and prudent use of resources under the leadership of the Registrar.”

The Committee commended Prof. Oloyede for his financial discipline and accountability, stating that his management of JAMB’s resources serves as a model for other public institutions in Nigeria.

The clarification also addressed misrepresentations in the media, noting that JAMB has shown transparency and accountability in handling public funds.