JAMB Refutes Claims of ₦9bn Spending on Meals, Others

0
38

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has denied reports alleging it was queried by the National Assembly for spending ₦9 billion on meals, refreshments, and security expenses.

In a statement issued by the Board’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB clarified that its appearance before the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives was solely to present its 2025 budget proposal, not to defend expenditures for 2024.

“There was no mention of any ₦1.1 billion expenditure for feeding or ₦850 million for fumigation in 2024,” Benjamin stated, stressing that reports suggesting otherwise are baseless and misleading.

Benjamin explained that part of the 2025 budget proposal includes ₦1.1 billion allocated for providing daily meals to 2,300 staff members nationwide due to rising food prices. He noted that this initiative, which began at the Board’s headquarters, is being expanded to all JAMB offices across the country.

The Board also earmarked ₦850 million for outsourced services, including security personnel, cleaning staff, materials, and fumigation, with only ₦2 million allocated specifically for fumigation. Rising operational costs, including government-mandated salary reviews for cleaners and security personnel, significantly contributed to the proposed budget increase.

On the ₦6.4 billion proposed for “Local Travel and Transport (Training),” Benjamin clarified that this category covers travel expenses for over 10,500 officials involved in conducting the 2025 UTME and related activities. He emphasized that government budgeting protocols require expenses unique to JAMB to be categorized under this heading.

He further noted that all operational costs are financed through JAMB’s internally generated revenue (IGR), while government support is limited to covering the salaries of permanent staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here