News
House Orders JAMB to Remit N3.6 Billion to Federal Government in 30 Days
The House of Representatives has directed the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to remit a sum of N3.602 billion to the Federal Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
This order was issued during an investigative hearing held in Abuja, led by Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee.
Salam clarified that this remittance is not open to any personal interpretation, but rather a clear-cut legal obligation.
He noted that the issue at hand had nothing to do with the difference between a 25 percent or 50 percent revenue remittance, as was being argued by JAMB.
Rather, it was a matter of adhering to established laws and financial regulations governing public institutions.
The committee, in a unanimous decision, instructed JAMB to remit the outstanding N3.602 billion to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and provide documented proof of the remittance within a 30-day window.
This decision comes after the FRC brought JAMB before the committee, alleging that the board had failed to remit its operating surplus in full.
Mr. Bello Aliyu, a representative of the FRC, provided insight into the financial discrepancies.
He explained that as of 2021, based on the report submitted to the committee, JAMB’s liabilities stood at N390.725 million.
However, after receiving JAMB’s 2022 audited financial statement, the FRC recalculated the liabilities, which have since increased to N3.602 billion.
Aliyu mentioned that the FRC had formally notified JAMB about the updated liability through a letter dated March 14, followed by a reminder issued on August 31.
Despite these correspondences, he disclosed that the FRC had not received any response from JAMB regarding the matter.
Addressing these allegations, JAMB’s Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Mufutau Bello, responded by shedding light on the board’s perspective.
According to Bello, the crux of the issue lies in the difference in remittance figures.
He explained that the FRC had been pushing for JAMB to remit 50 percent of its revenue to the government, while the board had been consistently remitting 25 percent, as per a concession granted by the Office of the Accountant-General.
Bello pointed out that in 2019, JAMB’s dedication to revenue remittance led the Federal Government to reduce the cost of its registration fee from N5,000 to N3,500, a move that was designed to benefit all Nigerians.
He emphasized that JAMB had not increased any of its charges over the last eight years, and had in fact reduced them, leading to a decrease in its revenue base.
“We have consistently followed the 25 percent remittance policy year after year, and this has been done in line with our role in the education sector,” Bello stated.
He argued that, based on the 25 percent remittance rate, JAMB has actually over-remitted its surplus over the years.
The board has always operated under the assumption that the 25 percent rate, as approved by the Accountant-General, was the correct standard to follow.
However, the FRC is now pushing for JAMB to remit 50 percent of its revenue, a significant increase from the previous rate.
This, according to Bello, is the core of the disagreement between the two agencies.
Bello further stressed that if the committee were to assess JAMB’s remittance based on the 25 percent rate, the board has been more than compliant and has fulfilled its financial obligations.
“We’ve done our part in supporting the government’s efforts by keeping our fees low while adhering to the 25 percent rule,” he said.
The hearing concluded with the committee reaffirming its directive for JAMB to remit the N3.602 billion as calculated by the FRC and to provide evidence of the payment within 30 days.
This ongoing investigation highlights the complexities of revenue remittance among government agencies and the need for clarity in financial regulations.
News
LeBron James Steps Away from Social Media, Cites Negativity in Sports Coverage
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star, has announced a temporary break from social media.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, agent to NBA star Kevin Durant, criticizing the media’s focus on negativity.
Kleiman wrote, “With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes… I, for one, find it all a waste of breath.” James shared the post, adding a simple comment: “AMEN!!”
In a follow-up post, James confirmed his social media hiatus, writing, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.”
James, known for his strong presence on and off the court, is taking this break amidst ongoing discussions about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of athletes.
News
Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 3 Trillion Naira As Budget For 2025
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.
The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.
News
Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Approval to Amend Lawsuit Against EFCC Asset Forfeiture
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.
The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.
The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.
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