KEY POINTS
- JAMB says UTME and Direct Entry fees will not increase for the 2026 exercise.
- Registration costs have not risen in nine years and were reduced under the current administration.
- Sale of 2026 UTME forms opens January 31 and closes March 8.
Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has moved to calm fears of higher examination costs, assuring candidates and parents that fees for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry will remain unchanged.
The board said application charges for both examinations have not been increased in the past nine years. It added that costs were reviewed downward during the period under the current administration, despite rising operational expenses.
Policy guided by economic realities
The clarification was contained in JAMB’s Weekly Bulletin released on Monday. Officials said any future review of fees would only be considered if it became absolutely necessary to protect the quality and credibility of its examination process.
According to the board, the decision aligns with a directive from President Bola Tinubu, communicated through the Minister of Education, urging government agencies to adopt policies that reflect compassion and awareness of the economic strain on Nigerian households.
JAMB said the assurance was meant to help families plan early for their children’s education, noting that the financial requirements for the 2026 exercise remain largely the same as those of the previous year.
Parents and guardians were urged to make timely preparations once registration opens, as the board warned that deadlines will be strictly enforced. Officials stressed that extensions would not be granted after the registration window closes.
Despite lower fees, the examination body said it has continued to operate efficiently and responsibly, recording strong financial performance and making consistent remittances to the Federal Government.
The board said this track record reflects its commitment to accountability, transparency and prudent management of public funds, even while keeping examinations affordable for candidates.
