The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has remitted over ₦6 billionto the Federal Government as part of its operating surplus following the conduct of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This remittance contributes to a cumulative sum of ₦50 billion transferred to the national treasury over the past seven years under the leadership of Professor Is-haq Oloyede, JAMB’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.
Transparency and Accountability:
According to JAMB’s Monday Bulletin, 2024 marked a significant year for the Board, showcasing the results of numerous innovations aimed at improving operations. The report emphasized the Board’s commitment to accountability and transparency, noting its consistent practice of publishing weekly income and expenditure reports since 2017.
Highlighting the financial performance for 2024, the Board disclosed:
– Total Income: ₦22,996,653,265.25
– Expenditure: ₦18,198,739,362.68 (covering examination costs, service providers, and staff claims amounting to ₦2,119,571,022.88)
– Total Remittance to FG ₦6,034,605,510.69
In addition, JAMB continued its ₦1,500 reduction in application fees for candidates, benefiting thousands and bringing its total remittance to approximately ₦9 billion when combined with the savings passed on to applicants.
Reforms and Achievements:
The Oloyede-led administration has been lauded for introducing transformative reforms that have positioned JAMB as a model for other institutions. Among its notable achievements in 2024:
1. Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs):
– Free UTME and Direct Entry (DE) forms.
– Refund of registration fees to disabled candidates.
2. Tackling Fake Credentials:
– Partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to verify tertiary education certificates and combat fraud.
3. Employee Welfare:
– Allocation of ₦1 billion for a Hope Housing Scheme to assist low-income staff and discourage unethical practices.
4. New Performance Management System (PMS):
– Replacement of the outdated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) to ensure staff accountability and improved performance.
National and International Recognition:
In 2024, JAMB’s efforts were celebrated by various stakeholders:
– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima) commended the Board’s leadership during an EFCC roundtable in January.
– The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) rated JAMB highly using its Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), acknowledging Prof. Oloyede’s visionary leadership.
– The National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, praised the Board for its transparency during controversies such as the Mmesoma matter.
Excellence in Examinations and Admissions:
JAMB successfully conducted the 2024 UTME, including foreign examinations in eight countries, without disruptions. The Board also strengthened its commitment to merit-based admissions through the National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit Award (NATAP-M). Highlights of the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 award cycle include:
– University of Ilorin: ₦500 million prize as the top institution.
– Ahmadu Bello University: ₦75 million prize.
– Borno State University:₦25 million prize.
In a landmark decision, JAMB declared it would no longer condone illegal admissions through the “Condonement of Illegal Admissions without Registration Number” policy, ensuring compliance with its admission guidelines.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
JAMB reaffirmed its dedication to accountability, transparency, and equity for all candidates. The Board emphasized its resolve to sustain its reforms and further consolidate the gains made in admissions and service delivery.
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