JAMB Spent Less Than N1 Million on Fumigation in 2024 — Registrar

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has refuted claims that the board spent exorbitant amounts on fumigation, meals, and other expenditures in 2024. Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Oloyede clarified that total fumigation expenses across all states in 2024 amounted to less than N1 million.

He described reports of inflated spending as a misinterpretation of figures presented in the 2025 budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance.

“I want to state emphatically that I did not present any performance report for the 2024 budget before the National Assembly yesterday. The figures referenced were part of the 2025 budget proposal, not past expenditures,” he explained.

According to Oloyede, misunderstandings arose because the detailed breakdown of the 2025 proposal was not thoroughly reviewed during the presentation.

Addressing Training and Meals Spending

On reports alleging N6.5 billion spent on training in 2024, Oloyede clarified that the amount is a 2025 proposal covering several operational expenses, including examination monitoring, admission processes, e-facilities payments, and awards for higher education institutions.

“We have 10,500 examiners and invigilators conducting both the mock and main UTME. Some stay for up to 10 days, and their allowances are government-regulated. What offence have I committed in aggregating their legitimate claims?” he asked.

Regarding meal expenses, he justified the provision of lunch at JAMB headquarters for security and infrastructural reasons, explaining that restricting staff movement helps protect sensitive ICT systems.

“For 2025, we budgeted for meals for 2,300 staff over 22 working days each month. That adds up to more than N1 billion. This is not extravagant but necessary for operational efficiency,” he said.

UTME Fee and Budget for Staff

Oloyede dismissed calls for further reduction of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fee, noting it was already reduced from N5,000 to N3,500, making it one of the lowest globally.

He also responded to criticisms about security and cleaning expenses, emphasizing that JAMB employs 580 security and cleaning staff nationwide.

“With the minimum wage increasing from N30,000 to N70,000, it is inevitable that budgetary allocations for salaries will rise. This is basic economics,” he stated.

Prof. Oloyede expressed hope that the National Assembly committee would provide an opportunity for a detailed clarification of the proposed figures. He assured the public of JAMB’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management.