The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has clarified issues surrounding the alleged misrepresentation of figures in the 2025 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance. He firmly denied presenting any performance report for the 2024 budget and dismissed rumors of extravagant spending by the Board.
Speaking to journalists during an event in Abuja on Tuesday, Oloyede expressed concerns over widespread reports that JAMB spent large sums on fumigation, meals, and other items in 2024. He described these reports as baseless, emphasizing that JAMB’s actual expenses were modest and well-accounted for.
“I want to say emphatically, without any iota of doubt, that I never presented any budget performance of 2024 before the National Assembly yesterday. I think it’s a lot of misunderstanding,” Oloyede stated.
According to him, the Board’s total expenditure for fumigation across all states in 2024 was under N1 million, contrary to claims of excessive spending. He explained that the budget figures discussed during the committee meeting pertained solely to 2025 proposals.
Oloyede also addressed allegations that JAMB spent N6.5 billion on training activities in 2024. He clarified that the figure was part of the 2025 budget proposal, covering various operational needs such as examination monitoring, admission processes, and awards for outstanding educational institutions.
The Registrar further justified provisions for meals at the JAMB headquarters, highlighting security concerns and the protection of sensitive ICT infrastructure.
“We have 10,500 examiners and invigilators going to conduct both the mock and the UTME. Some of them stay for 10 days.
“I do not determine their DTA. It’s the government that determines the DTA to be paid to them. So what offence have I committed in putting their claims together?” he said.
On the alleged huge amount spent on meal, Oloyede said “Everybody knows that at the JAMB headquarters, we provide one lunch for those in the headquarters. And we provide this lunch for them, partly because we don’t want our system to be destroyed.
” Apart from the fact that there are security reasons for not allowing people going in and coming out.
“You also know that we have some ICT infrastructure that will be damaged if we allow people to be bringing food and remnant.
” So we created the canteen and we provide for them. So we are now saying for 2025, we should provide for 2,300.
“2,300 times 22 days, times 12 months, what will it be if not over N1 billion? ”
Speaking on the clamour for downward review of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fee, he said the fee remained reviewed from N5,000 to N3,500.
“This is the least paid anywhere in the world for any admission unless you want it to be given free.
” And we can assure you, if we are given a fair opportunity to explain, Nigerians will know that I, Ishaq Oloyede, would not misappropriate or misuse money,” he said.
Oloyode said the figure proposed for cleaners, security, among others were also misrepresented.
“In all the states of the federation, we have 580 security men and cleaners. Where would their salaries come from?.
“The increase in minimum wage from N30,000 to N70, 000 will also lead to increase in their budgetary provision.
