In a recent development, the House of Representatives has instructed the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to transfer a substantial amount of N3.602 billion to the Federal Government Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF
During an investigative hearing held in Abuja, Rep. Bamidele Salam, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, emphasized that this directive is clear-cut and not open to personal interpretation.
According to Salam, this order is based on legal and regulatory requirements and is not influenced by the ongoing debate regarding the 25 percent versus 50 percent remittance percentages argued by JAMB.
Deadline and Requirements for Compliance
The committee has mandated that JAMB must remit the specified amount to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and provide proof of this transaction within the next 30 days.
This decision follows the FRC's complaint about JAMB’s failure to remit its operating surplus.
Discrepancies in Remittance Figures
Mr. Bello Aliyu, representing the FRC, revealed that as of 2021, JAMB’s liabilities amounted to N390.725 million based on the records presented to the committee.
Aliyu further explained that after receiving JAMB’s 2022 audited financial statement, the new liability was calculated to be N3.602 billion.
The FRC notified JAMB of this new figure through a letter dated March 14, with a reminder sent on August 31. However, JAMB has yet to respond to these communications.
JAMB's Response and Stance
In response to these allegations, Mr. Mufutau Bello, the Director of Finance and Administration at JAMB, clarified that the discrepancy in the remittance figures stems from the FRC's demand for a shift to a 50 percent remittance rate.
Bello highlighted that in 2019, due to the board's commitment to revenue remittance, the Federal Government had reduced JAMB's registration fee from N5,000 to N3,500.
He argued that this reduction was meant to benefit Nigerians and that JAMB has consistently adhered to a 25 percent remittance rate.
Bello emphasized that JAMB has not increased its charges in the past eight years and has even lowered fees, which currently represent 30 percent of their revenue.
He also pointed out that the Accountant-General has consistently allowed JAMB to operate with a 25 percent remittance rate, which contrasts with the FRC’s position that advocates for a 50 percent rate.
Conclusion
Bello concluded by stating that if judged based on the 25 percent rate, JAMB has over-remitted in previous years, reflecting their adherence to the agreed-upon terms.
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