JAMB To Candidates: Pay Same Fees, Expect No Deadline Extension

By MELVIN KOFFA

JAMB Sticks to Stable Pricing

THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has signalled cost stability for the 2026 admission cycle, assuring prospective candidates and parents that the current fee structure for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registrations will remain unchanged. The Board made the disclosure on Monday through its official bulletin, responding to rising public anxiety over possible fee increments at a time when household education expenses continue to stretch family budgets.

Cost Breakdown for 2026 Applicants

Under the maintained regime, 2026 UTME and DE candidates will pay:

• ₦3,500 as the Computer Based Test (CBT) centre fee

• ₦700 as a mandatory service charge

The Board stressed that it has neither raised the cost of application documents in the past nine years nor signalled any immediate intention to do so for 2026, except under “absolutely expedient” conditions tied to preserving examination quality and integrity.

Policy Framing and Presidential Directive

JAMB linked its decision to broader federal policy, stating that its operations must align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s human-focused directives, communicated through the Minister of Education. The bulletin emphasised that all JAMB activities should reflect the government’s “human-face policies” and consider the prevailing economic realities facing Nigerian families. This clarification, JAMB explained, is to guide parents, guardians, and candidates planning for tertiary education and to confirm that the cost for 2026 remains largely consistent with that of the previous year.

No Extension, No Surprises

In a firm advisory, JAMB warned that once registration officially begins, the Board will not extend the registration window, citing historical compliance challenges where late registration surges strain CBT centre capacity, disrupt scheduling, and fuel avoidable administrative pressure. Parents and guardians were urged to register their wards early to avoid last-minute bottlenecks. The Board also reiterated that no extension will be granted after the registration period closes.

Efficiency and Public-Sector Accountability

JAMB further highlighted its fiscal track record, noting that despite fee reductions under the current administration, the Board has sustained operational efficiency and made significant remittances to the federal government. This, it said, demonstrates its commitment to accountability, transparency, and prudent financial management within the public sector.