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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that application fees for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) will not be increased.

The assurance comes amid rising concerns from parents, guardians, and prospective candidates over the cost of education, as many households continue to feel the strain of Nigeria’s economic climate.

According to JAMB, the financial requirements for the 2026 exercise will remain largely unchanged from the previous year. The Board says this decision is meant to help families plan ahead and avoid unnecessary pressure when registration officially opens.

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Nine Years, No Increase: JAMB States Its Record

JAMB disclosed that it has not raised the cost of UTME or Direct Entry application documents for nine consecutive years.

More notably, the Board says registration fees were actually reduced during this period under the current administration. This long-standing position forms the core of JAMB’s reassurance to candidates and their families.

In simple terms, the Board insists that access to tertiary education entry exams has not been made more expensive over nearly a decade.

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Why A Fee Increase Is Still Unlikely — With One Caveat

JAMB maintains that a fee hike for the 2026 UTME or DE is highly unlikely.

However, it leaves room for a narrow exception: fees may only be reviewed if it becomes “absolutely expedient” and necessary to protect the integrity and quality of the examination system in the future.

The message is clear. Any potential change would be driven by examination standards, not routine adjustments or financial pressure.

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Presidential Directive Behind The Decision

The Board links its stance directly to a directive from President Bola Tinubu, communicated through the Minister of Education.

JAMB says it was instructed to ensure that all its operations reflect the administration’s “human-face policies”, while also acknowledging the harsh economic realities facing Nigerian families.

This policy direction, according to the Board, is why the 2026 fees are being kept broadly in line with previous years.

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What Candidates And Parents Should Do Now

JAMB is urging parents, guardians, and candidates to prepare early and complete registration promptly once the portal opens.

The Board issued a firm warning: there will be no extension of the registration deadline.

Bottom line? If you’re planning for the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry, get ready ahead of time — the window will open, and it will close right on schedule.

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