JAMB registrar Oloyede apologises to reps over official’s unruly conduct
Story by Susan Mbamah
Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has apologised to the House of Representatives over the unruly conduct of a senior Board official during a recent investigative hearing.
Oloyede offered the apology when he appeared before the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to submit documents earlier requested by lawmakers his first interaction with the committee since the October incident that sparked outrage among members.
The controversy began when JAMB Director Mufutau Bello, who represented the Registrar at the earlier hearing, abruptly walked out on the committee after attempting to eject journalists from the venue. Bello claimed the documents in his possession were sensitive, but the committee maintained that its proceedings were public and constitutionally mandated. He then ordered his delegation to leave the hall and exited, leaving lawmakers stunned.
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Addressing the committee on Thursday, Oloyede distanced the Board from the director’s behaviour, stressing that he holds the National Assembly in high regard and would never tolerate actions that undermine its authority.
“I have enormous respect for the Parliament,” he said. “I would never do anything, or allow anything under my watch, that undermines its authority.”
He assured lawmakers that such an incident would not happen again and confirmed that all outstanding documents requested had been fully submitted.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboku Oforji, condemned the director’s conduct, describing it as an affront to the Legislature and incompatible with the level of cooperation expected from government agencies.
He reminded the Board that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations and exercise oversight over ministries, departments and agencies.
Oforji explained that the ongoing inquiry was triggered by a House resolution passed on May 15, 2025, following widespread complaints linked to the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The committee is currently examining JAMB’s budget implementation, internally generated revenue from 2023 to date, remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and details of its bank transactions.
He emphasised that the investigation is not a witch-hunt but a constitutional responsibility designed to promote transparency and enhance the administration of national examinations.
Oforji urged JAMB and other agencies to cooperate fully, noting that effective oversight is essential for public accountability.
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