A tense encounter unfolded at the National Assembly on Wednesday as officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board walked out of a session convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.

It became dramatic when the Committee instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to detain the JAMB officials, only to find that they had already left the premises.

The Committee, led by Bayelsa lawmaker, Oboku Oforji, had summoned the examination body to account for its 2023–2024 budget performance, internally generated revenue remittances, and other financial operations, including bank statements and evidence of transfers to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

At the hearing on Wednesday, the Committee noted that JAMB was formally invited in three separate letters dated October 6, 17, and 23, 2025, requesting the personal appearance of Registrar Prof Ishaq Oloyede and submission of the relevant documents.

Instead of attending in person, Prof. Oloyede sent a representative, Director Mufutau Bello.

Tension escalated when Bello demanded that National Assembly-accredited journalists leave the room, arguing that the documents contained sensitive financial information.

The lawmakers refused, stating that the proceedings were public and that the Committee, not JAMB, had the authority to set the terms of the session.

Agitated by the insistence, Bello ordered his team to exit, leaving the lawmakers shocked.

Describing the walkout as “Unacceptable and disrespectful,” Oforji emphasised that the Committee’s mandate is to ensure transparency and accountability, not to embarrass any agency.

“We sent three formal requests to the Registrar. Instead of complying, he sent a representative who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That is unfortunate and cannot be tolerated,” he said.

Consequently, the Committee gave Prof Oloyede until Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to appear in person with his management team and provide all requested documents.

Failure to comply, the Committee warned, could trigger enforcement actions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The Committee adjourned the session until next Tuesday, warning that any further defiance by the examination body would invite strict parliamentary sanctions.