In a significant relief to millions of Nigerian families, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially confirmed that the cost of applying for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) is unlikely to see an increase.
Stable Fees Amid Economic Pressures
The board, led by Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, made this crucial announcement in a bulletin dated Monday, January 5, 2026. JAMB stated its intention to maintain a stable cost regime for the upcoming examination cycle. This decision aligns with a directive from President Bola Tinubu, conveyed through the Honourable Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
The federal government's instruction mandates that JAMB's activities must reflect the administration's "human-face policies," showing consideration for the prevailing economic realities faced by citizens. The board emphasized that any potential future fee adjustment would only be contemplated if absolutely necessary to safeguard the integrity and quality of the examination process.
Early Preparation is Key: No Extension of Registration
In a move that underscores the need for proactive planning, JAMB issued a strong advisory to parents and guardians. The board clarified that the registration period for the UTME/DE 2026 exercise will not be extended once it commences.
Consequently, parents are being urged to prepare their wards early and ensure timely completion of the registration process to avoid any last-minute complications or exclusion. The cost implication for the 2026 registration is expected to remain largely unchanged from the previous year, providing a predictable financial framework for families budgeting for their children's education.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
JAMB used the announcement to reiterate its unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and financial accountability. Despite maintaining affordable fees, the board highlighted its record of efficient and prudent operations, which have resulted in substantial remittances to the federal government over the years.
This financial discipline, according to JAMB, underscores its adherence to effective public-sector management and global best practices. The board remains focused on its core mandate of providing a credible, accessible, and affordable pathway to tertiary education for all Nigerian candidates.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of JAMB's earlier communication regarding the 2025 admissions cycle, where the board, through its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, set deadlines for public universities to forward recommendations of qualified candidates. This structured timeline is designed to allow sufficient room for all tiers of tertiary institutions to conduct their admissions processes smoothly.
