No Increase in JAMB Fees for 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Registration – Official Update

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has confirmed that there will be no increase in the cost of registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry application, easing concerns among parents, candidates, and education stakeholders across Nigeria.

In an official bulletin released on Monday, the examination body stated that the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry exercise will largely retain the same fee structure used in the previous year. The board explained that the decision aligns with current government directives aimed at reducing the financial burden on Nigerian households.

According to the bulletin, the policy follows instructions from President Bola Tinubu, communicated through the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that all education-related agencies should operate with a human-centered approach while taking into account the prevailing economic realities faced by families nationwide.

The board noted that the clarification was necessary to help parents and guardians plan effectively for the academic future of their children, emphasizing that the cost implication for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry registration remains largely unchanged.

JAMB further revealed that it has not increased UTME or Direct Entry registration fees in the last nine years. Under the current administration, the board disclosed that some registration costs have even been reduced while maintaining operational efficiency and examination standards.

The examination body stressed that any future review of fees would only be considered if it becomes absolutely necessary to protect the integrity, security, and quality of the examination process. Despite operating under a reduced cost structure, JAMB stated that it has continued to remit substantial revenue to the Federal Government through prudent financial management.

The board also announced that the sale of forms for the 2026 UTME will commence on Friday, January 31, 2026, and will close on Saturday, March 8, 2026. Candidates were advised to complete their registration within the stipulated timeframe, as the registration window will not be extended.

Parents, guardians, and candidates were strongly advised to ensure timely registration to avoid last-minute challenges, overcrowding at registration centers, and potential disqualification.

JAMB also issued an important advisory regarding the National Identification Number, warning candidates to verify that their NIN details are accurate and correctly captured before creating their JAMB profiles. The board cautioned that incorrect NIN information could lead to avoidable complications during registration and the examination process.

Candidates were urged to take full responsibility for the accuracy of their personal data from the outset, as not all requests for corrections may be approved once the registration process is completed.

The announcement provides reassurance to millions of prospective candidates preparing for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions. With no fee hike for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry registration, stakeholders believe the decision will support access to higher education while easing financial pressure on families.

As preparations for the 2026 admission cycle gather momentum, candidates are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and complete all registration requirements early to ensure a smooth and successful examination experience.