Families Feel The Pinch As Senate Challenges JAMB Over ₦3,500 UTME Fee

According to Ireporter Online, the concerns were expressed during a budget defence session where lawmakers thoroughly examined the examination body’s financial estimates and operational blueprint. Senators noted that despite a previous reduction, the prevailing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination fee of approximately ₦3,500 continues to pose a significant financial strain on families already battling economic hardship.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Amos Yohanna, called on the board to consider further reductions in the interest of fairness and broader access to higher education. He emphasised that affordability must remain central to JAMB’s mandate, particularly at a time when many households are struggling with escalating living expenses.

Beyond the matter of fees, the upper chamber drew attention to operational challenges affecting candidates, including reported technical hitches during registration and examination processes. Lawmakers also lamented the inadequate number of computer-based test centres in certain regions, especially rural communities, noting that the shortage often forces candidates to travel considerable distances to sit for the examination.

The Senate further scrutinised the board’s revenue projections, including its plan to generate about ₦23.8 billion internally in 2026. Senators demanded improved transparency and accountability in JAMB’s financial management, stressing that revenue targets must not come at the expense of students and their families.

In response, officials of the examination body maintained that the UTME fee had already been reduced from ₦5,000 to ₦3,500 in recent years. They added that measures were underway to expand CBT centres nationwide and enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of the examination process.

Nevertheless, lawmakers insisted that additional reforms are required to ease financial pressure on candidates while strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system. The deliberations reflect mounting concerns over access to higher education amid persistent economic challenges, as stakeholders advocate policies that strike a balance between cost recovery and social responsibility.