The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured prospective candidates and stakeholders that there are no immediate plans to increase the cost of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) application forms.
JAMB made the clarification in its Weekly Bulletin, obtained on Monday, stressing that any increase in the future would only occur if absolutely necessary to sustain the integrity and quality of the examination process
The board assured parents, guardians, and prospective candidates that it has not increased fees for either UTME or DE in the last nine years.
“In fact, registration costs have been reduced for prospective candidates within the nine years of the existence of the current administration,” it said.
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The board further explained that this policy aligns with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, conveyed through the minister of education, that its activities must reflect the administration’s human-face policies and take into account the economic realities facing Nigerian families.
“This clarification is provided to properly guide members of the public who wish to plan ahead 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 JAMB stated.
Meanwhile, JAMB urged parents and guardians to make early arrangements and ensure the timely registration of their wards, noting that the registration period will not be extended once it begins.
“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.
“This underscores JAMB’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and effective public-sector financial management.
“JAMB remains committed to fairness, transparency, and affordability while sustaining global best practices in the conduct of its examinations,” the board noted.
