As thousands of candidates prepare for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured the public that there will be no increase in the cost of its application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE).
The Board disclosed on Monday that intending candidates will continue to pay ₦3,500 as Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre fee and ₦700 as service charge, maintaining the same fee structure as previous years. The reassurance was contained in a statement published via the JAMB Bulletin titled “No Likely Increase In UTME/DE Application Fees As JAMB Maintains Stable Cost Regime.”
According to JAMB, it has not increased its application fees in the last nine years and has, in fact, reduced registration costs during the period under the current administration. The Board explained that the decision aligns with the Federal Government’s human-centred policies and reflects sensitivity to the prevailing economic realities faced by Nigerian families.
JAMB noted that while it is unlikely to review the fees upward for the 2026 admission exercise, any future adjustment would only be considered if it becomes absolutely necessary to sustain the integrity and quality of the examination process.
The Board said the clarification was meant to help parents, guardians, and candidates plan ahead for their educational expenses, stressing that the cost implication for the 2026 exercise remains largely unchanged from that of the previous year.
Parents and guardians were advised to make early arrangements for their wards, as JAMB warned that there would be no extension of the registration period once it commences.
Despite the sustained low cost of registration, the Board stated that it has continued to operate efficiently and prudently, recording substantial remittances to the Federal Government over the years. This, it said, underscores its commitment to accountability, transparency, and effective public-sector financial management.
JAMB reaffirmed its dedication to fairness, affordability, and the maintenance of global best practices in the conduct of its examinations, assuring Nigerians that candidates’ interests remain a top priority.