Legislature
Okebukola Debunks JAMB Budget Allegations, Hails Oloyede’s Leadership as Benchmark for Africa

In response to recent allegations concerning the 2025 budget of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Peter A. Okebukola, Chairman of JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), has come out strongly in defense of the Board’s Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede.
Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), dismissed the allegations as “misguided and baseless,” highlighting Oloyede’s exceptional track record in promoting transparency and accountability.
Speaking from his seven years of close collaboration with Oloyede, Okebukola described the Registrar as a “transparency icon” whose leadership has transformed JAMB into a model institution for Africa.
“Professor Oloyede has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial integrity,” Okebukola noted. “His leadership has not only elevated JAMB’s operational efficiency but has also set a benchmark for excellence across the continent.”
Referencing a press statement by JAMB’s Public Affairs Officer, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, Okebukola emphasized that the allegations against JAMB’s 2025 budget are rooted in misinformation.
“These claims lack merit,” he said. “JAMB, under Professor Oloyede, has established a robust financial management system where every Naira is accounted for and judiciously spent. His reforms have drastically reduced inefficiencies while ensuring the Board serves millions of Nigerian students effectively.”
Under Oloyede’s leadership, JAMB has introduced several transformative initiatives that have streamlined processes, increased revenue generation, and promoted equitable access to higher education. According to Okebukola, these achievements reflect Oloyede’s integrity and vision for the organization.
“JAMB is no longer just a national institution; it is now a continental reference point for how public organizations should be run,” Okebukola asserted.
Okebukola called on Nigerians to celebrate and support leaders who have demonstrated consistent dedication to public service.
“In a time when we need credible leadership more than ever, Professor Oloyede stands out as an example of what is possible when accountability meets vision,” he said. “We must stand behind those who prioritize the public good over personal interest.”
Okebukola urged critics to focus on the substantial progress made by JAMB under Oloyede’s tenure, rather than propagate unverified allegations.
“It’s time to focus on facts and progress,” he concluded. “Professor Oloyede’s legacy is one of transformation, and I have no doubt he will continue to lead JAMB with the same level of distinction.”
This robust endorsement not only debunks the budget allegations but also shines a spotlight on the remarkable strides JAMB has made under Oloyede’s leadership, reinforcing his position as a trailblazer in public administration.
END
Legislature
NASS approves ₦54.99 Trillion 2025 Budget

***Allocates N23.96 Trillion for Capital Projects, N14.31 Trillion for Debt Servicing
The Nigerian Senate along with the House of Represebtatives have passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, approving a record-breaking budget of N54,990,165,355,396 to finance government activities in the coming fiscal year.
The budget, titled A Bill for an Act to Authorise the Issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, was approved after deliberations on its allocations and implications for economic growth, debt management, and infrastructure development.
The chairman of the National Assemble Godswill Akpabio who is also the President of the Senate gave the beakdown of the 2025 Budget to show that Statutory Transfers: ₦3.65 trillion, debt Servicing: ₦14.32 trillion, Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure: ₦13.06 trillion and
Capital Expenditure: ₦23.96 trillion
The largest chunk of the budget, ₦23.96 trillion, was allocated for capital expenditure, aimed at infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security.
This signals the government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit.
However, the ₦14.32 trillion earmarked for debt servicing highlights the country’s rising debt burden, sparking concerns over long-term financial sustainability.
With the National Assembly approval, the budget now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent, after which implementation will begin. Analysts predict a challenging fiscal year, balancing economic growth with prudent spending and debt repayment.
However, time will tell whether the historic budget will deliver on its promises, or economic realities force adjustments down the line?
Legislature
Senator Adeola Olamilekan explains N54.99trn Budget passage

***Says addittional fund is to Prioritize Infrastructure, Health, Economic Growth
The chairman of the senate committee on Appropriation Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan has explained the approval of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by the national Assembly which it increased from N49.7 trillion to N54.99 trillion—the highest in the nation’s history.
The adjustment followed legislative reviews that uncovered additional revenues from key government agencies.
While explaining the Budget Expansion and Revenue Sources Olamilekan indicated that the additional N4.99 trillion was sourced from Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs)
These he said led to an increase in funding for critical sectors, including N1.5 trillion for Bank of Agriculture, N500 billion for Bank of Industry, 1 trillion for Ministry of Solid Minerals, N1.5 trillion for Renewable Infrastructure Fund, N300 billion – Road construction and N400 billion for Rail transport.
Others are N380 billion of Water resources, irrigation, and dam projects, N250 billion for Military barracks renovation N120 billion for New military aviation projects, N50 billion for Border security agencies
Following the suspension of U.S. health aid, which previously provided funding for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and polio treatments, President Tinubu approved $200 million (N300 billion) to ensure continued medical supplies and healthcare support for affected patients.
On the major Boost for Infrastructure Development he said a record N23.7 trillion has been allocated for capital projects, marking a significant leap in infrastructure investment.
He listed the areas the funds will focus on to include Roads and railways,nEducation and healthcare improvements and Other critical public infrastructure
To prevent delays in budget implementation, the 2026 budget process will begin in July 2025, with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted early and the Appropriation Bill expected by October 2025.
Concerns over inadequate rail infrastructure funding in the South East were raised, but legislative leaders clarified that rail projects are primarily funded through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
According to him, the 2025 budget focuses on light rail development in Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, and Kano, while further discussions on South East projects are ongoing.
He explained that to maintain Economic Stability the budget parameters remain unchanged, with key revenue sources including FIRS increasing its revenue target to N25.1 trillion, Nigeria Customs Service boosting revenue collection through stricter enforcement and Independent revenue agencies contributing 100% of their generated funds to the federal government
Legislature
Reps Launch Probe into Telcos Over Unauthorized NIN-SIM Linkages

The House of Representatives has directed its Joint Committee on Communications and Interior to investigate reports of unauthorized National Identification Number (NIN) linkages by telecom service providers across Nigeria.
The decision followed the unanimous adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo). The House also instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe the allegations and sanction any telecom operator found guilty of violating privacy laws.
Additionally, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been asked to clarify whether telecom providers were authorized to link NINs to subscriber lines and if such actions comply with existing regulations.
Hon. Umoh raised concerns about recent reports indicating that telecom companies have linked NINs to subscribers’ SIM cards without their consent. He warned that this unauthorized linkage exposes Nigerians to criminal activities, such as identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.
“This action is a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, which guarantee the right to privacy and the protection of personal data,” Umoh stated.
He further emphasized that while the NIN system was introduced to enhance national security and streamline identification processes, unauthorized linkages undermine public trust and jeopardize citizens’ safety.
“Aware that innocent citizens have been wrongly implicated in crimes, suffered reputational damage, harassment, and legal challenges for offenses they know nothing about, it is imperative that we address this issue immediately,” Umoh added.
The House has mandated the probe committee to submit its findings within four weeks, as lawmakers seek to protect Nigerians from potential data breaches and uphold the integrity of national security protocols.
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