The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reassured candidates, parents, and guardians that there will be no increase in the cost of registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE).

This clarification was made in JAMB’s latest weekly bulletin, where the Board explained that the 2026 examination fees will largely remain the same as those of the previous year.

Decision Aligned With Federal Government Policy

According to JAMB, the decision not to raise registration fees aligns with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, communicated through the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.

The Board noted that its operations are expected to reflect the administration’s human-centred policies, especially in light of the current economic realities facing many Nigerian families.

JAMB explained that maintaining stable fees would help parents and guardians plan better for their children’s education without additional financial pressure.

Fees Have Remained Stable for Years

JAMB further revealed that it has not increased UTME or DE registration fees in the past nine years. In fact, the Board disclosed that registration costs have even been reviewed downward under the current administration.

Despite these reductions, JAMB emphasized that it has continued to operate efficiently and responsibly, while also making significant financial remittances to the Federal Government over the years.

Possible Fee Increase Only if Absolutely Necessary

While reassuring candidates, JAMB clarified that any future increase in fees would only be considered if it becomes necessary to protect the integrity and quality of the examination process.

For now, however, the Board confirmed that no such increase is planned for the 2026 UTME and DE exercises.

2026 UTME Form Sale Dates Announced

JAMB also announced the official period for the sale of the 2026 UTME application form:

• Start of Sale: Friday, 31st January 2026
  
• End of Sale: Saturday, 8th March 2026
  

The Board stressed that the registration deadline will not be extended, urging candidates and parents to complete registration early.

Important Advisory on NIN Verification

As part of its guidance, JAMB strongly advised candidates to verify their National Identification Number (NIN) details before creating their JAMB profiles.

The Board warned that incorrect or inconsistent NIN information could lead to avoidable problems during:

• Profile creation
  
• Registration
  
• Examination processing
  

Candidates were reminded that correction opportunities are limited, and not all requests for data changes may be approved once registration is completed.

JAMB’s Key Advice to Candidates and Parents

To ensure a smooth registration process, JAMB advised candidates to:

• Confirm that their NIN details are accurate before profile creation
  
• Take personal responsibility for all submitted information
  
• Register early within the official registration window
  
• Avoid rushing the process close to the deadline
  

Parents and guardians were also encouraged to support candidates by ensuring timely and accurate registration.

Final Thoughts

JAMB’s assurance of no fee hike for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry examinations comes as welcome news to many Nigerian families. By maintaining stable registration costs, the Board aims to reduce financial strain while upholding examination standards.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare early, verify their personal details carefully, and complete their registration within the stipulated timeframe to avoid unnecessary complications.