The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has found itself at the center of public scrutiny following the National Assembly’s criticism of its proposed 2025 budget, which allocates a staggering N1.1 billion for staff feeding. Lawmakers have questioned the necessity of such expenditure for an examination body, igniting a heated debate about accountability and transparency in government spending.
The proposal, which covers meals for JAMB’s 2,300 employees across its offices nationwide, has drawn sharp criticism from both senators and members of the House of Representatives. The feeding provision, along with other budgetary allocations, was described as excessive during a recent budget defense session.
Lawmakers Raise Eyebrows
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Abiodun Faleke, voiced concerns about JAMB’s financial operations. “You remitted N4 billion and received N6 billion from the Federal Government. Why not retain your internally generated revenue and operate independently?” Faleke queried, questioning why a self-sufficient agency still receives government funds.
Adding to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticized the allocation for meals. “You spent N1.1 billion on meals and refreshments. Are you feeding your staff at the expense of poor students, many of whom are orphans?” he asked.
Oshiomhole also lambasted the N850 million earmarked for security, cleaning, and fumigation. “What exactly did you fumigate? Mosquitoes? This allocation appears unjustifiable,” he stated.
JAMB’s Defense
In response to the outcry, JAMB’s spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, released a detailed statement explaining the rationale behind the budgetary provisions. According to him, the feeding initiative is aimed at reducing staff exposure to external environments during work hours, particularly given the sensitive nature of their responsibilities.
“The provision of one meal per day for 2,300 staff members, including cleaners and security personnel, has been in place at our headquarters and will now extend nationwide,” Benjamin explained. He revealed that the daily cost of feeding per staff member had risen from N1,200 to N2,200 due to inflation and higher food prices, including 13.5% taxes.
“This initiative is intended to enhance productivity and protect the ICT infrastructure by minimizing food-related risks in office spaces,” he added.
Budget Breakdown
The N1.1 billion feeding budget, which accounts for 261 working days in 2025, represents a significant portion of JAMB’s internally generated revenue (IGR). Dr. Benjamin emphasized that the agency operates under strict financial policies and uses its IGR to fund capital, operational, and overhead costs. He clarified that only the salaries of pensionable staff are covered by federal allocations.
Additionally, JAMB defended its N850 million allocation for security and cleaning services. The figure includes the salaries of 386 security personnel and 194 cleaners employed across its 40 offices nationwide. Benjamin noted that these services are outsourced in line with government policies and recent salary reviews.
“The N850 million covers operational costs, with only N2 million earmarked for fumigation. It is misleading to suggest that the entire amount is spent on fumigation,” he explained.
Travel and Training Costs Questioned
Lawmakers also flagged a proposed N6.4 billion allocation for local travel and training, which JAMB justified as essential for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and mock exams. The budget, the agency stated, follows a government-mandated template for categorizing expenses under “Local Travel and Transport.”
“This template prevents JAMB from creating additional headings. Details of the expenditure are provided in subsequent pages of the budget submission,” Benjamin noted.
Public Reaction and Implications
The controversy has sparked widespread public debate, with many questioning whether JAMB’s priorities align with its core mission of managing entrance examinations. Critics argue that the agency’s reliance on student-generated revenue makes it imperative to exercise prudence in spending.
Others, however, have defended the agency’s rationale, citing the increasing cost of living and the importance of staff welfare in maintaining efficiency. “If the feeding initiative boosts productivity and reduces security risks, then it’s worth considering,” one commentator observed.
Government Oversight and Transparency
This episode has renewed calls for greater oversight of government-owned enterprises (GOEs) like JAMB. Analysts argue that while JAMB’s self-funding status gives it some financial autonomy, its reliance on public funds necessitates stringent accountability measures.
“The National Assembly’s interrogation of JAMB’s budget is a positive step toward ensuring transparency. However, it should be followed by a thorough audit to verify these allocations,” said a policy expert.