A heated confrontation erupted at the National Assembly on Wednesday after representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) staged a dramatic walkout during an investigative session with the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
The tension began when JAMB’s representative, Director Mufutau Bello, demanded that journalists vacate the hearing room, claiming that the documents he was about to present contained “sensitive information.” His request immediately drew resistance from lawmakers, who insisted that the committee’s proceedings were public and constitutionally mandated to operate transparently.
Bello, who appeared on behalf of JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, reportedly became visibly upset when the committee refused to grant his request. Moments later, he abruptly ordered his delegation to leave the room, stunning members of the House Committee.
Lawmakers described the walkout as “disrespectful” and immediately instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB officials. However, the officials had already left the National Assembly complex before the directive could be enforced.
The Committee subsequently issued an ultimatum to the JAMB Registrar, directing him to appear in person with his management team and the required documents by Tuesday next week. Failure to comply, members warned, could result in a warrant of arrest being issued against him.
Sources within the National Assembly described the altercation as a reflection of growing tension between oversight committees and public institutions over accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s education sector.
The House Committee, chaired by key lawmakers on education oversight, maintained that its commitment to transparency remains non-negotiable, warning that all agencies under its purview must comply fully with legislative summons.
