By Abdulhammed Abdulmalik Ayodeji | Fact Frontier.
Click here to read more about the reporter.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the body that organises entrance exams for Nigerian universities and colleges, has announced important updates for the 2026 exams. In simple terms, they have confirmed that the registration cost will not go up, but they are getting much stricter with the computer-based test centres where students will take the exam.
Exam Costs Remain the Same for Nine Years Running
In a time when prices for many things are increasing, JAMB has promised that the fee for registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will stay exactly as it has been. For years, JAMB has charged a core examination fee of ₦3,500. However, when you add the necessary service charge for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, the total amount candidates pay is ₦4,200. The board has proudly stated that this cost
has not been increased in the last nine years,which is a relief for many families. They have also made it clear that no hidden fees will be added during the registration process. All approved charges will be clearly shown on their official platforms.
A Major Crackdown on Test Centres
One of the biggest pieces of news is JAMB's serious move to inspect and approve all Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria. Think of this as a very strict quality check. The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, has explained that this step is critical for a fair and smooth exam. Officials will visit these centres to check their facilities thoroughly.
What are they looking for? They will inspect the building's infrastructure, count how many working computers are available, test the strength and stability of the internet connection, and ensure there are good surveillance cameras (CCTV) in place. The goal is to find and use only centres that have all the necessary equipment and can provide a comfortable, secure environment for candidates. Professor Oloyede has warned that any centre that fails to meet any of these standards will not be allowed to host the exam, even if it has been used in previous years. This nationwide exercise aims to accredit 1,039 centres to handle the large number of expected candidates, ensuring technical reliability and reducing malpractice.
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Serious Warnings Against Fraudsters and Shortcuts
JAMB has also issued a strong warning to all prospective candidates and their parents. They advise everyone to be very careful of fraudsters who might promise special help, shortcuts for admission, or easier registration for a fee. The board stresses that the only way to register is through approved CBT centres and banks listed on their official website.
They have warned candidates to
avoid patronising cyber cafes or other unapproved registration outlets.All genuine information about exam dates, registration steps, and admission news will come only from JAMB's official website, social media pages, and statements in major newspapers. The Registrar reminded everyone that
the Board does not require or accept payment for any special services or admissions,and engaging with middlemen often leads to financial loss and disqualification.
JAMB's Role is Still Very Important
Recently, there have been some rumours online suggesting that JAMB is no longer necessary for university admission. The board has firmly dismissed these claims. In their statement, they reaffirmed that
JAMB remains the only body authorised by law to conduct UTME and coordinate admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.This means that for any student hoping to enter a public university, polytechnic, or college of education, taking the UTME and going through JAMB's process is still the mandatory and official path.
Getting Ready for 2026
With the 2026 exam season approaching, JAMB's advice to students is simple: start preparing early. Early preparation isn't just about reading your books; it also means doing the administrative things on time. Candidates are strongly advised to create their JAMB profile early and ensure their National Identification Number (NIN) is correctly registered and linked. Getting correct information directly from JAMB's official sources is the first step to success.
In conclusion, JAMB's latest announcements focus on maintaining affordability, drastically improving the quality and security of the exam centres, and protecting candidates from scams. By doing this, the board aims to deliver a examination that is fair, transparent, and trustworthy for all Nigerian students.
