JAMB Debunks Claims of Reckless Spending: A Detailed Breakdown of the Controversy

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed recent claims of excessive expenditure on fumigation, meals, and other budget items. Speaking in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede clarified these misconceptions and provided transparency regarding the Board’s financial activities.

Budget Misrepresentation: What Happened?

Professor Oloyede highlighted that the figures reported in the media stemmed from a misunderstanding during the 2025 budget proposal presentation to the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance. According to him, the Board’s financial records for 2024 and 2025 were misinterpreted.

Key Clarifications:

1. Expenditure on Fumigation
   • JAMB’s total expenditure on fumigation across all states in 2024 was less than N1 million.
   • For 2025, the proposed budget for fumigation is under N2 million.
     Oloyede emphasized that these figures are modest and have been erroneously exaggerated in reports.
2. Misunderstood Budget Figures
   • The N6.5 billion allegedly spent on training in 2024 is actually a 2025 budget proposal.
   • This sum covers activities such as examination monitoring, admission expenses, e-facility payments, and institutional awards.
   • JAMB oversees 10,500 examiners and invigilators for both UTME and mock exams, whose daily travel allowances (DTAs) are determined by government regulations.
3. Meals for Staff
   • At JAMB’s headquarters, lunch is provided to staff to ensure operational efficiency and protect sensitive ICT infrastructure.
   • For 2025, provisions for meals amount to over N1 billion, covering 2,300 staff members working 22 days a month for 12 months.
4. Salaries for Security and Cleaners
   • JAMB employs 580 security personnel and cleaners nationwide.
   • The recent increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 will naturally lead to higher budgetary allocations for salaries.
5. UTME Fee Reduction
   • Oloyede addressed calls for further reductions in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fees. He noted that the current fee of N3,500 is already one of the lowest globally, reduced from N5,000.
   • He argued that this balance ensures affordability while supporting operational needs.

A Call for Further Clarifications

Professor Oloyede expressed hope for an opportunity to provide additional explanations to the National Assembly to resolve the ongoing confusion. He reiterated JAMB’s commitment to financial transparency and effective resource management.

JAMB’s Commitment to Excellence

Despite the controversy, JAMB remains focused on its mission to streamline the admissions process in Nigeria. By managing resources efficiently and maintaining transparency, the Board aims to enhance trust and public confidence.

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