The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has downplayed the likelihood of an increase in the cost of application for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), assuring candidates and parents that the fee structure will largely remain unchanged.
In its weekly bulletin released on Monday, the examination body said the 2026 exercise would maintain the same fees as the previous year, in line with directives from President Bola Tinubu aimed at easing the financial burden on Nigerian families.
According to the bulletin, the directive was conveyed through the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, with an emphasis that JAMB’s operations should reflect the administration’s “human-face policies” while taking into account prevailing economic realities.
“This clarification is provided to properly guide members of the public who wish to plan for the education of their children, as the cost implication for the 2026 exercise remains largely the same as that of the previous year,” the board stated.
JAMB further disclosed that it has not increased UTME or DE registration fees in the last nine years, noting that under the current administration, registration costs have even been reviewed downward.
The board, however, clarified that any future fee adjustments would be considered only if necessary to maintain the integrity and quality of the examination process.
“Despite this downward review of fees, the Board has continued to operate efficiently and prudently, resulting in substantial remittances to the Federal Government over the years,” the bulletin added.
JAMB’s reassurance is expected to bring relief to millions of candidates and parents preparing for the 2026 admissions exercise amid ongoing economic challenges in the country.
