BREAKING: JAMB remits N6bn to FG coffers after conduct of 2024 UTME

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday said it has remitted over N6 billion to the federal government coffers as part of its operating surplus after the conduct of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Board disclosed that it has so far contributed over N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years under the watch of its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.

The details of the remittances are contained in the Monday Bulletin of the Board made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Public Communication Advisor, JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.

According to the board, in 2024, it generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 and spent N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.

According to JAMB, 2024 represented a pivotal moment, marking a time to reap the rewards of the various innovations it had implemented.

It noted that one area where the Board has demonstrated commendable courage over the years was in enhancing accountability, transparency, and openness in its financial practices, stressing that since 2017, it has consistently provided weekly income and expenditure reports for public scrutiny.

While looking ahead to 2025, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings.

It stated: “As we reflect on 2024, it is essential to uphold our commitment to transparency by sharing our financial performance for the year. In 2024, the Board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25.

“From this amount, It expended N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.

“Upon assuming office, Professor Is-haq Oloyede’s management team prioritized financial responsibility. In line with government regulations, it remitted over N7 billion from its operational surplus during the first year.

“Additionally, management initiated a programme to give back to candidates by reducing the cost of its application documents by N1,500, a practice that has continued with subsequent remittances to the federal treasury.

“In 2024, the Board remitted N6,034,605,510.69 to the government. When combined with the N1,500 reduction per form for candidates multiplied by the number of candidates that benefited in 2024, the total remittance by JAMB would amount to N9,013,068,510.69.

“Looking ahead to 2025, the Board remains committed to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings. The Board will also continue to ensure equity and fairness for all candidates in the admission process, which remains its core mandate.”

The Board also highlighted various reforms instituted by the management of JAMB under the leadership of Prof. Oloyede over the years culminating in significant achievements and recognition in 2024.

It recalled that at a roundtable organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in January 2024, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, commended the Board and specifically highlighted Prof. Oloyede’s exemplary character, purposeful leadership, and prudent management of resources.

“This recognition was underscored by the Board’s remarkable contribution of N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years,” it noted.

Also, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) shortly after rated JAMB highly in its performance index using its Self-Assessment Tool (SAT).

During an official visit to JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, on March 19, 2024, BPSR Director-General Dr Dasuki Arabi praised the Board for its commitment to efficient service delivery and acknowledged Prof. Oloyede’s visionary leadership.

In response to the government’s confidence in JAMB, the Board was tasked with combating the prevalence of fake degrees and certificates in the country.

To enhance its efforts in this area, JAMB collaborated with relevant agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In April 2024, this partnership was formalised to protect the integrity of tertiary education certificates, helping to identify fraudulent candidates seeking to participate in the NYSC scheme.

The Nation