The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has publicly reiterated its approved 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) fees, rejecting rumours of any increase while warning against overcharging by Computer‑Based Test (CBT) centres. In a statement this week, the board asked candidates who paid more than the official amount to come forward with evidence so erring centres can be sanctioned.

JAMB’s official communication refutes circulating claims that the examination body raised its UTME registration fees for 2026. The board confirmed that the approved fee remains ₦7,200 for UTME only (without mock tests) and ₦8,700 for UTME with mock, with ₦5,700 for Direct Entry. Candidates who paid above these amounts are being urged to report centres with credible proof so investigations and sanctions can follow.

In addition, JAMB reminded the public that e‑PIN sales ended on Thursday, February 26, and that registration at accredited centres closes on Saturday, February 28 — timelines candidates must respect.

Beyond the official statement, there are additional dimensions worth noting. Many centres have faced systemic pressures due to crowding and high candidate volumes, which can contribute to disputes over fees and service quality. Historical enforcement actions highlight that JAMB’s current appeal for reports is part of a broader effort to regulate centre conduct. Official fee breakdowns detail components such as application fees, registration service charges, bank fees, and CBT service charges, helping candidates and parents identify where unauthorized charges might occur.

For many Nigerian students and families, UTME registration is a yearly rite of passage — and a major financial commitment. Misleading claims about fees or exploitative practices by centres can:
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• Increase financial burden on families already managing tight budgets.

• Erode public trust in the integrity of the admissions process.

• Create disparities if candidates in rural or underserved areas are charged more due to limited centre options.

Given that millions of candidates register for UTME annually, even small irregular charges can add up to significant unexpected costs.

This issue also highlights the challenge of ensuring compliance among private partners (CBT centres) in systems where central authorities rely on third‑party service delivery. The balance between accessibility and regulation remains a key concern.

The key challenge now is whether JAMB will apply sanctions openly and share the results of investigations into centres found overcharging. Publicizing confirmed violations and the actions taken would build confidence and discourage future misconduct. In the meantime, candidates are advised to carefully review their receipts, be familiar with the official fee structure, and follow the proper channels to report any discrepancies.