The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over the fees charged by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), describing them as burdensome for many families.
The issue was raised during a budget defence session where lawmakers reviewed the board’s financial estimates and operational plans. Senators noted that despite the reduction of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fee to ₦3,500, the amount remains difficult for numerous households facing economic hardship.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Amos Yohanna, urged JAMB to further review the charges to promote fairness and wider access to higher education. He emphasised the need for policies that prioritise affordability, especially amid rising living costs.
Beyond fees, lawmakers also pointed to operational challenges, including technical issues during registration and examinations, as well as the inadequate number of computer-based test (CBT) centres in some rural areas. They noted that limited centres often force candidates to travel long distances to sit for the exam.
The Senate further examined JAMB’s projected revenue for 2026, including plans to generate about ₦23.8 billion internally, and called for greater transparency and accountability in its financial management. Senators stressed that revenue targets should not outweigh students’ welfare.
In response, JAMB officials maintained that the UTME fee had already been reduced from ₦5,000 to ₦3,500 in recent years. They added that efforts are ongoing to expand CBT centres nationwide and improve the examination process.
However, the Senate insisted that more reforms are needed to ease financial pressure on candidates while strengthening the efficiency and credibility of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.