JAMB warns CBT centres over UTME fee overcharging

JAMB warns CBT centres against UTME fee overcharging and denies any hike in 2026 registration fees

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Friday urged candidates who paid above the approved fees for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to report such centres with credible evidence, warning that erring operators would face sanctions.

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JAMB spokesman Fabian Benjamin said in a statement that reports suggesting the board had increased its registration fees were false and misleading.

Fabian Benjamin stated that the approved fees remain ₦7,200 for UTME only without mock, ₦8,700 for UTME with mock, and ₦5,700 for Direct Entry.

“The Board appeals to any candidate who has paid more than the officially approved fees to promptly report such centres with credible evidence,” the statement read.

Fabian Benjamin said such reports would enable the board to investigate and take immediate disciplinary action against any centre found overcharging or engaging in sharp practices.

The sale of e PINs for the 2026 UTME ended on Thursday, while registration at accredited Computer Based Test centres for candidates who had already purchased their e PINs will close on Saturday, February 28.

As of February 17, the board disclosed that more than 1.5 million candidates had registered nationwide, reflecting strong participation in this year’s exercise.

JAMB maintained that its fees have remained unchanged since 2019, despite rising operational costs.

The board recalled that the Federal Executive Council approved a reduction of the UTME application fee from ₦5,000 to ₦3,500 in 2018, effective from the 2019 registration cycle.

The board provided a breakdown of the charges, including ₦3,500 for application, ₦1,000 for reading text, ₦700 for CBT centre registration service charge, ₦1,500 for CBT centre UTME service charge, ₦500 for bank charges, and ₦1,500 for mock UTME centre charge.

JAMB warned parents and candidates to remain vigilant against individuals or centres seeking to exploit them.

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The board urged prospective candidates to rely solely on information released through its verified platforms and official advertisements.

David Okere