Drama in NASS as Lawmakers clash with JAMB over Registrar’s absence

There was uproar in the House of Representatives on Wednesday after angry lawmakers ordered the arrest of officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) who staged a dramatic walkout during a committee session.

The chaos erupted when JAMB representatives appeared before the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies for an investigative hearing.

Very Nigerian reports that trouble began after the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, failed to appear personally and instead sent a Director, Mufutau Bello, to represent him.

During the meeting, Bello reportedly asked journalists to leave, citing the “sensitive nature” of documents he intended to present. His request was immediately rejected by the lawmakers, who insisted that the House had constitutional powers to conduct open hearings and determine how its sittings are held.

A heated exchange followed, during which Bello, visibly angry, ordered his team to walk out of the session — a move that infuriated members of the committee.

The lawmakers, describing the action as “disrespect to the Parliament,” raised the matter at plenary, leading to calls for disciplinary action against JAMB officials. The House then directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the officials, although they had already left the National Assembly complex before the order could be carried out.

Committee Chairman, Obuku Oforji, condemned JAMB’s conduct, saying it was unacceptable.

“We wrote three consecutive letters to the registrar requesting these documents; instead of appearing, he sent a director who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That is very unfortunate,” Oforji stated.

“Our duty is to ensure every agency under our watch is accountable to Nigerians,” he added.

The House resolved that JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, must appear in person before the committee on Tuesday next week, along with his management team, to present all required documents.

Lawmakers warned that failure to comply could lead to a warrant of arrest being issued against him.

Speaking to journalists after the heated session, committee member Awaji-Inombek Abiante stressed that the National Assembly would not tolerate defiance from government agencies.

“If JAMB can walk out on a National Assembly committee, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is not a favour; it’s a constitutional duty,” Abiante said.

He added pointedly, “We’ve heard stories where snakes swallowed money. Maybe this time, a bigger creature has done the swallowing.”

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