The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured Nigerians that the cost of application documents for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry (DE) will not be increased.
The Board said it has not raised the registration fees for UTME and DE in the last nine years, stressing that candidates and their parents have no cause for concern ahead of the 2026 examination cycle.
JAMB made this clarification in its Weekly Bulletin obtained on Monday, January 5.
According to the Board, registration costs have, in fact, been reduced within the nine-year period of the current administration, contrary to speculations that fees may be adjusted upward for the 2026 exercise.
The Board assured “parents, guardians, and prospective candidates” that the cost implications for the upcoming examination remain unchanged.
“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,” JAMB stated.
JAMB explained that its decision aligns with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, conveyed through the Minister of Education, that its operations must reflect the administration’s human-face policies.
It noted that the Board is expected to take into account the economic realities confronting Nigerian families while maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
The Board, however, said any future adjustment in fees would only be considered if it becomes absolutely necessary to sustain the quality and credibility of its examinations.
JAMB urged parents and guardians to make early arrangements for the registration of their wards, warning that the registration window will not be extended once it opens.
The Board announced that the sale of the 2026 UTME application forms will begin on Friday, January 31, 2026, and end on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
Despite what it described as a downward review of fees over the years, JAMB said it has continued to operate efficiently and prudently, recording substantial remittances to the Federal Government.
“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,” it stated.
Reaffirming its stance, the Board added, “JAMB remains committed to fairness, transparency, and affordability while sustaining global best practices in the conduct of its examinations.”