The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has debunked claims that he presented the 2024 budget performance to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance. He also dismissed allegations of extravagant spending by the Board in 2024.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Prof. Oloyede clarified that the figures presented were solely part of the 2025 budget proposal. He refuted reports that JAMB had spent excessively on fumigation, meals, and other items in 2024.
“I want to state emphatically that I never presented the 2024 budget performance to the National Assembly. There seems to be a misunderstanding. We did not spend any humongous amounts in 2024. For instance, our total expenditure on fumigation across all states was less than N1 million,” Oloyede explained.
He further noted that the proposed budget for fumigation in 2025 is under N2 million. Misinterpretations, he said, arose because the detailed breakdown of the 2025 budget was not thoroughly reviewed during the presentation.
Reacting to claims of JAMB spending N6.5 billion on training in 2024, Oloyede clarified that this figure is a projection for 2025, encompassing multiple activities, including examination monitoring, admissions, e-facilities payments, and awards for higher education institutions.
He also addressed the logistics for the Board’s 10,500 examiners and invigilators, explaining that their Daily Travel Allowances (DTAs) are government-determined. “What offence have I committed by including their legitimate claims in the budget?” he asked.
On allegations of overspending on meals, Oloyede defended the Board’s policy of providing lunch for its headquarters staff. He explained that this measure prevents potential damage to ICT infrastructure and ensures security. “We are budgeting for 2,300 staff members over 22 working days per month for 12 months. That will naturally sum up to over N1 billion,” he said.
Regarding calls for a reduction in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fee, Oloyede reiterated that the fee was already reduced from N5,000 to N3,500, making it the lowest globally. He assured the public of his commitment to transparency and accountability in managing funds.
The Registrar also addressed concerns about salaries for cleaners and security personnel, noting that JAMB employs 580 such workers nationwide. He emphasized that the increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 will necessitate higher budgetary provisions.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the National Assembly committee would provide an opportunity for him to clarify the budgetary figures to resolve any lingering misunderstandings.
