By Godfrey AKON
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has dispelled concerns over a possible increase in the cost of application documents for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, and Direct Entry, DE, assuring Nigerians that fees are expected to remain unchanged for the 2026 exercise.
The Board, in its weekly bulletin, disclosed that it has not raised its application fees in the past nine years.
On the contrary, JAMB said it has effected a downward review of registration costs during the period under the current administration.
The Board noted that there is no immediate plan to increase the cost of UTME or DE application documents for 2026, except in the unlikely event that such a review becomes unavoidable in order to safeguard the quality, credibility, and integrity of the examination process.
JAMB explained that its position aligns with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, as conveyed through the Minister of Education, which mandates government agencies to operate in line with people-centred policies and with sensitivity to the prevailing economic challenges confronting Nigerian households.
According to the Board, the clarification is intended to enable parents, guardians, and prospective candidates to plan adequately, stressing that the financial requirements for the 2026 UTME/DE exercise will largely mirror those of the previous year.
JAMB also advised parents and candidates to make early preparations and ensure prompt registration once the process begins, reiterating that no extension will be granted after the official registration window closes.
Despite the sustained reduction in fees, the Board said it has continued to run its operations efficiently and responsibly, leading to significant remittances to the Federal Government over the years.
It added that this reflects its commitment to accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public resources.
The Board reaffirmed its resolve to maintain affordability and fairness for candidates, while upholding global best practices in the conduct of its examinations.
