Two major labour 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 fully supported the proposed N1.1 billion allocation for staff feeding in the 2025 budget.
They argue that the increase is crucial for boosting productivity within the board.
The unions clarified the reasoning behind the proposed N1.1 billion, responding to recent misunderstandings regarding the allocation.
The funds aim to expand the free lunch program, which was previously limited to JAMB’s headquarters, to over 2,300 staff across its 44 offices nationwide. This expansion is seen as an investment in staff welfare and efficiency.
Speaking during a health walk organized by JAMB to kickstart its 2025 activities in Abuja at the weekend, NASU JAMB Chapter Chairman, Andrew Onakpa, commended the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede for prioritizing staff welfare and emphasized that the initiative would enhance staff performance.
Onakpa also noted that the union had been involved in the vendor negotiations to ensure transparency in the feeding scheme.
ASCSN JAMB Branch Chairman, Ebenezer Ayalibola, echoed Onakpa’s views, explaining that the N1.1 billion feeding budget was based on careful calculations. “The amount per staff per day, multiplied by 12 months and 2,300 staff, leads to the projected cost,” he said.
Ayalibola also addressed concerns about the N850 million allocated for fumigation and cleaning, explaining that it covered all related services across JAMB’s offices nationwide.
Both unions expressed concern over recent criticism of the feeding budget during JAMB’s National Assembly budget defense, warning that it could hinder future welfare initiatives.
Despite this, Onakpa urged the Registrar to stay committed to improving staff welfare, and Ayalibola highlighted that these measures are part of JAMB’s reviewed Condition of Service, subject to National Assembly approval.
