The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured Nigerians that the cost of application documents for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) is unlikely to increase.
The assurance was contained in JAMB’s Weekly Bulletin obtained on Monday, where the examination body said it has not raised fees for either UTME or DE in the last nine years. It added that registration costs have, in fact, been reduced during the period under the current administration.
The Board said the clarification was necessary to address growing concerns among parents and prospective candidates over a possible hike in registration fees ahead of the 2026 exercise.
“Parents, guardians, and prospective candidates should be rest assured that the Board has not increased the cost of application documents for UTME and Direct Entry in the last nine years,” JAMB stated.
It explained that any future adjustment in fees would only be considered if it becomes absolutely necessary to sustain the integrity and quality of the examination process.
According to the Board, its decision aligns with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, conveyed through the Minister of Education, that government agencies must operate with a human-face policy and take into account the prevailing 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 Board said.
JAMB also urged parents and guardians to make early preparations for the registration of their wards, stressing that the registration window will not be extended once it opens.
“The registration period will not be extended once it begins. Candidates and their sponsors are therefore advised to make timely arrangements,” it warned.
Despite the sustained downward review of fees, the Board said it has continued to operate efficiently and prudently, recording significant remittances to the Federal Government over the years.
“Despite this downward review of fees, the Board has continued to operate efficiently and prudently, resulting in substantial remittances to the Federal Government,” it noted, adding that this reflects its commitment to accountability, transparency and effective public-sector financial management.
JAMB reiterated its resolve to maintain fairness and affordability while adhering to global best practices in the conduct of its examinations.
“JAMB remains committed to fairness, transparency, and affordability while sustaining global best practices in the conduct of its examinations,” the statement added.
According to the Board, the sale of forms for the 2026 UTME will commence on Friday, January 31, 2026, and end on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
