The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that it has not increased registration fees for candidates participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The clarification follows reports suggesting that the Board had raised its fees, which JAMB described as false, misleading and entirely unfounded.
In a statement, the Board’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said: “The Board wishes to state categorically that this claim is false, misleading and entirely unfounded.”
For clarity, the approved registration fees remain unchanged as follows:
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME Only (without Mock): ₦7,200
- UTME with Mock: ₦8,700
Breakdown
Application Fee – ₦3,500; Reading Text – ₦1,000; CBT Centre Registration Service Charge – ₦700; CBT Centre UTME Service Charge – ₦1,500; Bank Charges – ₦500; CBT Mock-UTME Centre Charge – ₦1,500.
Dr. Benjamin recalled that the fees have remained the same since 2019, following a government-approved reduction in 2018 that lowered the UTME application fee from ₦5,000 to ₦3,500.
“Since the government-approved reduction, the Board has maintained the same fee structure without any increase, despite rising operational costs,” he said.
Also Read: JAMB Rules Out Extension of 2026 UTME Registration
He urged the public, especially prospective candidates and their parents or guardians, to rely solely on official information released through JAMB’s verified platforms.
“The Board therefore urges members of the public to disregard the said publication and rely only on official information released through the Board’s verified platforms and advertisements,” Dr. Benjamin added.
Candidates were also advised to carefully read official adverts to avoid being misled or exploited by dishonest individuals or centres.
“Furthermore, the Board appeals to any candidate who has paid more than the officially approved fees to promptly report such centres with credible evidence. Such reports will enable the Board to investigate and take immediate disciplinary action against any erring centre found to be overcharging or engaging in any sharp practices,” he said.
Dr. Benjamin concluded by reaffirming that JAMB remains committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting candidates’ interests at all times.