The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reassured Nigerians that there are no plans to increase the cost of application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), unless an unexpected situation makes it absolutely necessary.
In a statement released through its Weekly Bulletin in Abuja, the examination body explained that registration fees for UTME and Direct Entry have not been increased in the past nine years. In fact, JAMB disclosed that the current administration has reduced registration costs within this period, making the process more affordable for candidates.
The Board emphasized that parents, guardians, and prospective candidates should disregard rumors suggesting a possible hike in fees. According to JAMB, the cost implication for the 2026 exercise is expected to remain largely the same as that of the previous year, allowing families to plan ahead without financial uncertainty.
JAMB noted that any decision to review application costs in the future would only be taken if it becomes unavoidable, especially where such action is required to maintain the integrity, quality, and credibility of its examination processes.
The Board also explained that its approach aligns with the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, conveyed through the Minister of Education. This directive mandates that JAMB’s operations must reflect the government’s people-centered policies, particularly in light of the current economic challenges facing many Nigerian households.
Despite the reduced registration fees over the years, JAMB stated that it has continued to operate efficiently and responsibly. The Board revealed that its prudent financial management has enabled it to make significant remittances to the Federal Government, further demonstrating its commitment to accountability and transparency.
JAMB therefore urged parents and guardians to make early preparations for their wards, stressing that once registration begins, there will be no extension of the registration deadline under any circumstance.
Important Notice to 2026 UTME and DE Candidates
Meanwhile, JAMB has advised all candidates intending to participate in the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry to begin creating their JAMB profiles if they have not already done so.
The Board strongly advised candidates to first confirm that their National Identification Number (NIN) details are accurate and properly captured before proceeding with profile creation. According to JAMB, incorrect NIN information could result in serious complications during registration and later stages of the examination process.
JAMB also revealed that preparations for the commencement of the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry registration have been concluded, and registration could begin at any time.
Candidates were encouraged to use this waiting period wisely by ensuring that all their personal information is accurate and consistent across relevant databases. The Board warned that opportunities for correcting candidate data are becoming increasingly limited due to frequent abuses and infractions associated with correction windows.
As a result, candidates are advised to take full responsibility for the accuracy of their details from the beginning, as requests for corrections may not always be approved.
JAMB concluded by calling for the cooperation of all candidates to ensure a smooth, transparent, and trouble-free registration exercise for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry.
