JAMB 2026 Registration Fees Unchanged: UTME and Direct Entry Costs Remain the Same

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that registration fees for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) will remain unchanged. This provides financial relief to candidates and their families amid Nigeria's current economic challenges.

Key Announcement

JAMB stated that "the Board has not increased the cost of its application documents in the last nine years" and assured prospective candidates that it is "unlikely to increase" fees for 2026 unless absolutely necessary.

According to the Board, cost implications for 2026 registration will remain "largely the same as that of the previous year."

Why This Matters

With Nigeria's economic situation affecting many families, this decision to maintain registration fees means:

• No unexpected financial burden for candidates preparing for JAMB 2026
• Families can budget accurately for examination costs
• More students can afford to register without additional financial stress

Presidential Directive Influence

The decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu's directive for government policies to reflect a "human-face" approach. JAMB acknowledged the current economic hardships facing Nigerian families and chose to keep costs stable.

Notably, JAMB has actually reduced registration fees during the current administration rather than increasing them, demonstrating commitment to accessibility.

Important: No Registration Extension

While fees remain unchanged, JAMB emphasized that no extension will be granted for the registration period. This means:

• You must register within the official registration window
• Late registration will not be accommodated
• Parents and candidates should prepare early and register promptly

What Candidates Should Do

1. Prepare your documents now: Get your NIN, O'Level results, and other required documents ready
2. Save money for registration: While fees haven't increased, ensure you have funds ready when registration opens
3. Register early: Don't wait until the deadline; technical issues or delays could affect late registrants
4. Monitor JAMB official channels: Watch for registration opening dates on JAMB official website

Historical Context

JAMB's decision to maintain stable fees for nine consecutive years is remarkable, especially considering inflation and rising operational costs. This consistency demonstrates the Board's commitment to keeping tertiary education admission accessible to Nigerian students regardless of economic fluctuations.