As UTME preparations intensify, JAMB sets ambitious revenue goals while expanding exam centres and responding to concerns over student affordability.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it is targeting N23.8 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the 2026 fiscal year, reflecting its growing financial strength and operational expansion.
A Director in the Registrar’s office, Dr Muftau Bello, disclosed this during the defence of JAMB’s 2026 budget before the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND in Abuja.
He explained that JAMB has proposed a total budget of N30.6 billion for 2026, with N23.8 billion expected from internal revenue, while N6 billion will be remitted to the Federation Account as surplus.
The board’s performance has shown steady growth, generating N18.5 billion in 2025 and remitting N4 billion to the government, highlighting improved efficiency in its operations.
As part of preparations for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), JAMB has established 1,000 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide—building on the 800 centres created in 2025—to improve access for candidates across the country.
Lawmakers, however, raised concerns about the financial burden on students, especially those from rural areas. Responding, Bello noted that the UTME registration fee had already been reduced from N5,000 to N3,500 to ease the pressure on families.
Committee members praised JAMB for its transparency, efficiency, and commitment to expanding access to tertiary education while boosting government revenue.
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