There was tension at the National Assembly on Wednesday after officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) stormed out of a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
The incident unfolded when the committee requested JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, to appear in person and present specific documents before the lawmakers.
However, Oloyede, who was unavoidably absent, delegated Director Mufutau Bello to represent him at the meeting alongside other board officials.
What started as a routine session quickly took an unexpected turn when Bello insisted that journalists be excluded from the meeting, claiming that the documents contained sensitive material.
Lawmakers reject JAMB’s request
The committee members immediately opposed the move, stressing that their proceedings must remain public in line with legislative transparency.
They maintained that it was not within JAMB’s authority to dictate the terms of engagement during an official sitting.
As the disagreement intensified, Bello reportedly became agitated and directed his team to leave the meeting room.
The walkout left the committee members shocked and angered by what they described as a “disrespectful act” toward the legislature.
The abrupt exit disrupted the session, prompting murmurs among observers and journalists present at the National Assembly complex.
Lawmakers issue ultimatum to JAMB
In response to the walkout, the House Committee instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to apprehend the JAMB officials, though they had already left the premises before the order could be enforced.
Following the incident, the committee issued a firm ultimatum, directing that Professor Oloyede must personally appear before them by next Tuesday with all requested documents in hand.
The lawmakers warned that failure to comply could lead to a warrant of arrest being issued against the Registrar, stressing that no public agency is above legislative oversight or accountability.