The Nigerian Senate has raised serious concerns over charges imposed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, questioning their affordability for students across the country.
During a budget defence session, lawmakers criticised the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, stressing that many Nigerian families are already grappling with economic hardship.
The Senate noted that even the current fee of about ₦3,500 remains a burden for many prospective candidates.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Mr Amos Yohanna, called for a further reduction in the examination fee, urging JAMB to prioritise accessibility and fairness in its operations.
Beyond the issue of charges, the Senate also pointed challenges affecting candidates, “including technical glitches during registration and examinations”, as well as limited access to Computer Based Test, CBT, centres, particularly in rural areas.
The senate further questioned JAMB’s projected revenue, including its plan to generate about ₦23.8 billion internally in 2026, demanding greater transparency and accountability in its financial operations.
In response, JAMB officials maintained that the UTME fee had already been reduced from ₦5,000 to ₦3,500, adding that efforts are underway to expand CBT centres nationwide and improve the overall examination process.
The Senate, however, insisted on reforms that would ease the financial burden on students while ensuring a more efficient and inclusive admission system.
