The Senate and House of Representatives have decided to exclude the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from the Federal Government’s 2025 budget grant, citing concerns over its financial management.
Lawmakers raised objections on Monday, highlighting that JAMB remitted ₦4 billion to the federation account while receiving ₦6 billion from the government in 2024.
During an interactive session on revenue projections for 2025, JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede disclosed the figures to the joint committee led by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East). This prompted questions from members, including Abiodun Faleke and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo), over the rationale for funding a self-sufficient agency.
“You remitted ₦4 billion and received ₦6 billion. Why not retain the ₦4 billion and cease government grants?” Faleke queried.
Senator Oshiomhole criticised JAMB’s ₦1.1 billion expenditure on meals and refreshments in 2024, adding, “This money comes from poor students, many of whom are orphans.”
He also questioned other expenses, including ₦850 million on security and cleaning, ₦600 million on local travels, and ₦6.5 billion on local training.
The scrutiny reflects broader concerns about low remittances from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Senator Musa, chairing the joint committee, emphasised that the discrepancy between revenue generated and remitted hinders the government’s ability to fund vital projects and services, raising concerns over mismanagement and inefficiency.