The House of Representatives Committee on Examination Bodies has questioned the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over its extra budgetary expenditure, particularly the payment of N3 billion for staff Pension, computer-related procurement and other financial transactions that were not contained in their approved 2026 budget.
The committee, during an oversight engagement with the JAMB Registrar and his management team, expressed concerns over discrepancies between approved budgetary provisions and their actual expenditure, demanding explanations and supporting documents.
The lawmakers also raised questions about the board’s financial accountability, procurement processes, poor remittance to FGN CRF, and the need to ensure that public funds are expended strictly in accordance with approved appropriations.
The JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, who led the delegation, explained that the N3 billion payment was for an additional benefit scheme for staff, which was initially conceived as a housing scheme. According to him, the board had made provisions of N1 billion annually for 2024, 2025 and 2026, but the funds were subsequently paid together to address accumulated obligations under the scheme.
However, Honorable members of the committee disagreed, questioning the legality of consolidating the three years’ provisions into a single payment without obtaining explicit parliamentary approval.
The committee chairman, Hon Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji maintained that budgetary approvals have specific lifespans and that unimplemented provisions from previous fiscal years cannot automatically be transferred or consolidated without the necessary legislative authorization. He subsequently requested documentary evidence of any parliamentary approval for the conversion of the housing scheme funds to Pension contribution.
The committee also questioned JAMB over its computer-related expenditure, noting that several budget lines appeared to contain overlapping provisions for computer purchases and consumables. Hon members observed that the expenditure on computer-related items amounted to about N710 million, against an approved provision of N220 million approved in the budget, and demanded explanation for the unapproved spending by the Board.
The Registrar acknowledged the need for improved presentation of the board’s financial records but explained that some of the documents submitted contained figures relating to different budget years, which may have contributed to the confusion.
The lawmakers also sought explanations for the N874 million spent on meals and refreshments, as well as N696 million reportedly spent on travel and transportation.
Earlier, the committee raised concerns about persistent challenges associated with JAMB examinations and admissions, including the difficulties candidates encounter in accessing examination centers and inconsistencies between admission offers issued by institutions and those recognized by JAMB.
Hon Jeremiah Umaru cited Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State as an example, said candidates in the area were compelled to travel to neighboring local government areas to sit for the UTME because of the absence of an examination centre.
He urged the new Registrar to consider such challenges while developing strategies to improve the examination process and expand access for candidates across the country.
Responding to the concerns, the Registrar said his administration was focused on rebuilding public trust and reducing the difficulties candidates experience in their interactions with the board. He disclosed that JAMB had introduced several reforms since he assumed office on August 1, 2026, including a National Identification Number (NIN) Alignment Service developed in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
According to him, the initiative enables candidates whose personal information has changed or been harmonized to align their records with NIMC, thereby resolving discrepancies that previously prevented some graduates from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The Registrar also disclosed that JAMB had partnered with examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and other relevant institutions, to introduce electronic verification of O’Level results. He said the initiative would enable candidates to access and verify their results electronically without necessarily visiting JAMB offices. He assured the lawmakers that the Board remained committed to improving its services, strengthening transparency and ensuring the integrity of its examination and admission processes.
Earlier in his remarks, the committee chairman welcomed the Registrar and his delegation, describing JAMB as a critical Institution responsible for shaping the educational future of Nigerian youths. He urged the new leadership to address long-standing challenges affecting candidates and ensure that the board’s activities remained consistent with constitutional and statutory provisions.
Following the irreconcilable discrepancies in the submission, the committee resolved to allow the Registrar and his team to review and resubmit their documents to the Committee, provide the necessary supporting documents and clarify outstanding issues before a new hearing date that would be communicated soon.
The lawmakers stressed the need for greater transparency, accountability and adherence to budgetary provisions in the management of public resources.
