The Nigerian Senate has raised fresh concerns over the affordability of the ₦3,500 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration fee, questioning the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on the financial burden placed on millions of prospective candidates and their families.
The issue came to the fore during a budget defence session at the National Assembly, where lawmakers scrutinised the examination body’s proposed financial estimates and operational framework for the coming fiscal year.
Several senators expressed reservations that despite the official fee being pegged at ₦3,500, additional charges for registration services, mock examinations, and other administrative costs often push the total amount paid by candidates far beyond the advertised sum.
They argued that for many low-income families already grappling with economic hardship, the cumulative cost remains prohibitive.
According to the lawmakers, access to tertiary education should not be hindered by financial barriers, especially in a country where unemployment and inflation continue to exert pressure on household incomes.
They urged JAMB to explore measures that would ease the financial strain on candidates, including possible fee reductions, flexible payment arrangements, or expanded support for indigent students.
In response, officials of JAMB defended the current fee structure, maintaining that the ₦3,500 charge is one of the lowest examination fees in the country when compared with other standardized tests.
They noted that the Board has consistently remitted significant surpluses to the Federal Government’s consolidated revenue account while maintaining operational efficiency and expanding technological innovations in the conduct of examinations.
JAMB representatives further explained that part of the additional costs incurred by candidates stem from optional services and third-party registration centres, which are not directly controlled by the Board.
They assured the Senate of continued efforts to streamline processes, eliminate exploitative practices, and improve transparency in the registration system.
However, senators insisted that the broader reality for many Nigerian families is that the full cost of registering for the UTME — including ancillary expenses such as transportation to accredited centres and procurement of required documents — can be daunting.
The Senate Committee overseeing education matters pledged to engage further with JAMB and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the examination process remains accessible, fair, and affordable to all qualified candidates.
The UTME, conducted annually by JAMB, serves as a gateway examination for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria. Each year, millions of candidates sit for the examination in pursuit of higher education opportunities.
The development signals renewed legislative attention to the cost of accessing tertiary education, with lawmakers reiterating their commitment to policies that promote inclusivity and equal opportunity for Nigerian youths.
