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Two major unions at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)—the National Association of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)—have expressed support for the board’s plan to allocate N1.1 billion to staff feeding in its 2025 budget.
The unions highlighted that the initiative aims to improve staff productivity by expanding free lunch provisions from JAMB headquarters to include over 2,300 employees across the board’s 44 offices nationwide.
Speaking during a health walk in Abuja over the weekend to launch JAMB’s 2025 activities, NASU JAMB Chapter Chairman, Andrew Onakpa, praised the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for prioritizing staff welfare.
“Efforts by the Registrar to address staff welfare are humane and should not be discouraged,” Onakpa stated. He added that the improved feeding scheme, which his union helped negotiate with vendors, would significantly enhance staff performance while ensuring transparency in implementation.
Onakpa defended the budget against recent criticism from the National Assembly, explaining that the costs reflect the inclusion of more staff. “With over 2,300 employees and all working days in a year considered, the figure is understandably significant. It’s not about mismanagement but about welfare enhancement,” he said.
ASCSN JAMB Branch Chairman, Ebenezer Ayalibola, echoed these sentiments, explaining that the welfare committee carefully calculated the feeding costs. “The increase from N1,200 per day to N2,200 per staff reflects rising food prices and the broader scope of the initiative. The budget of N1.1 billion results from detailed planning and collaboration—not unilateral action by the Registrar,” Ayalibola emphasized.
Clarification on Fumigation and Cleaning Budget
Addressing reports of an N850 million allocation for fumigation, Ayalibola clarified that the amount covers cleaning services, fumigation, and security operations across JAMB’s offices nationwide.
“These costs include contractor salaries for essential services throughout the year,” Ayalibola explained. He stressed that these allocations are part of JAMB’s periodically reviewed Condition of Service, which requires National Assembly approval.
Rising Costs and Budget Adjustments
JAMB defended the N1.1 billion feeding proposal during a recent budget defense exercise, noting that rising food prices necessitated the increase. The cost of meals per staff rose from N1,200 to N2,200 per day, while the expansion to all 44 offices contributed to the overall cost.
Initially estimated at N1.27 billion, the feeding budget was revised down to N1.1 billion, underscoring JAMB’s commitment to cost optimization while maintaining staff welfare.
Both unions urged the Registrar to remain steadfast in enhancing employee welfare despite criticism, emphasizing that these measures align with JAMB’s operational goals.
