Report Centres Charging Above ₦8,700 UTME Fee, JAMB Tells Candidates

As preparations intensify for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning to candidates across Nigeria: report any centre charging above the approved ₦8,700 UTME fee.

The directive comes amid complaints from candidates and parents that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres are demanding extra payments far above the officially approved cost.

JAMB has made it clear — the UTME registration fee has not been increased.

If any centre is charging more than ₦8,700 (for candidates opting for UTME with mock), such a centre is violating official guidelines and must be reported.

This announcement is not just a routine reminder. It is a serious intervention aimed at protecting candidates from exploitation during one of the most critical academic stages of their lives.

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Understanding the Official UTME Fee Structure

To prevent confusion, JAMB clarified the exact breakdown of approved charges.

According to the board, the official costs remain:

• ₦5,700 – Direct Entry (DE)

• ₦7,200 – UTME (without mock examination)

• ₦8,700 – UTME (with mock examination)

The board emphasized that these rates have not changed since 2019, despite inflation, rising operational costs, and economic pressures.

This means any CBT centre charging beyond these amounts is acting outside the law.

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Why JAMB Is Concerned

Overcharging candidates is not just unethical — it undermines public trust in the examination process.

The UTME is one of Nigeria’s most important national examinations. Millions of candidates register yearly with hopes of gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

When centres inflate fees:

• Poor families suffer the most.

• Candidates are pressured to borrow money.

• The credibility of the registration system is questioned.

JAMB insists that no candidate should be financially exploited under any circumstance.

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How the Overcharging Happens

Investigations suggest that some CBT centres use subtle tactics to increase charges. These include:

1. Adding “Service Charges”

Centres sometimes claim there are additional service costs for:

• Cyber café assistance

• Biometric capturing

• Profile correction

• Data processing

Many of these are already included in the approved fee.

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2. Forcing Mock Registration

Some centres allegedly pressure candidates to choose the mock option (₦8,700) even when they do not want it.

Candidates who only intend to pay ₦7,200 for UTME without mock are sometimes told:

“Mock is compulsory.”

This is false.

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3. Demanding Cash Only Payments

Some centres request payments in cash without issuing proper receipts, making it difficult for candidates to prove overcharging later.

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4. Exploiting Fear and Urgency

Candidates are told:

• “Registration is closing today.”

• “System is about to shut down.”

• “Slots are limited.”

Under pressure, candidates pay whatever is demanded.

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JAMB’s Position on the Matter

JAMB has urged candidates to report any centre charging above ₦8,700 for UTME with mock.

The board stated that:

• It will investigate credible reports.

• Erring centres will face sanctions.

• Evidence such as receipts or proof of payment is required.

The Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, has repeatedly emphasized transparency and accountability in the registration process.

He noted that the board has deliberately kept fees stable since 2019 to reduce financial burden on Nigerians.

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Why the Fee Has Not Increased Since 2019

Despite economic challenges, JAMB has maintained the same UTME pricing structure.

This decision was reportedly taken to:

• Ensure affordability.

• Prevent discouragement among low-income candidates.

• Maintain fairness in access to higher education.

Maintaining stable fees for several years reflects an effort to prioritize educational access over profit.

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The Impact of Overcharging on Families

Nigeria’s economic realities mean that even ₦8,700 can be a heavy burden for some families.

When centres demand extra:

• Parents may take loans.

• Students may delay registration.

• Some candidates may drop out of the process entirely.

This creates inequality, where only those who can afford inflated fees get registered on time.

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The Role of Accredited CBT Centres

CBT centres are officially accredited by JAMB to conduct registration and examinations.

Accreditation means they agree to follow strict rules, including:

• Charging only approved fees.

• Protecting candidate data.

• Maintaining technical standards.

• Operating with integrity.

Any centre that violates these conditions risks suspension or removal from the accreditation list.

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How Candidates Can Protect Themselves

Candidates must be proactive.

Here are important steps:

✔ Know the Official Fee

Memorize the correct amounts:

• ₦7,200 (UTME without mock)

• ₦8,700 (UTME with mock)

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✔ Demand a Receipt

Always request an official payment receipt.

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✔ Avoid Verbal Agreements

Ensure payment details are clearly documented.

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✔ Verify Information

Check official announcements before believing rumours of fee increases.

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✔ Report Immediately

If overcharged, gather evidence and file a complaint promptly.

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How to Report an Overcharging Centre

JAMB advises candidates to:

1. Keep proof of payment (receipt, bank alert).

2. Record the name and address of the centre.

3. Submit complaint through official JAMB communication channels.

Reports without evidence may be difficult to investigate.

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Broader Implications for the Education Sector

Overcharging during UTME registration reflects a wider issue in Nigeria’s education system — commercialization of access.

When education becomes profit-driven:

• Vulnerable students suffer.

• Corruption spreads.

• Trust declines.

Strict enforcement is necessary to protect the integrity of national examinations.

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Digital Transparency and Future Safeguards

To prevent similar issues, JAMB may strengthen:

• Digital payment tracking.

• Centralized fee verification.

• Real-time monitoring of registration transactions.

Technology can help eliminate loopholes that enable exploitation.

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What Candidates Should Remember

1. UTME fees remain unchanged.

2. Mock examination is optional.

3. No centre is authorized to add extra charges.

4. Overcharging is punishable.

5. Reporting protects others.

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The Importance of Public Awareness

Many candidates only discover overcharging after registration is complete.

Public awareness campaigns are crucial to ensure:

• Candidates know their rights.

• Centres understand consequences.

• Fraud is minimized.

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A Message to Parents

Parents should:

• Accompany younger candidates to registration centres.

• Confirm official fee amounts beforehand.

• Keep payment evidence safe.

• Encourage honesty in academic pursuits.

Parental awareness reduces exploitation.

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The Road Ahead for 2026 UTME

With registration closing soon, candidates are advised to act quickly but carefully.

Avoid last-minute rushes that create vulnerability to manipulation.

Prepare adequately for the examination rather than worrying about unauthorized charges.

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Conclusion: Education Must Not Become Exploitation

The warning from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is clear:

No candidate should pay above ₦8,700 for UTME registration with mock.

Centres that violate this directive will face consequences.

The fight against overcharging is not just about money — it is about fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity.

Education should empower, not exploit.

Candidates must remain vigilant, informed, and proactive.

If you are asked to pay more than the approved fee — report it.

Your future is too important to be compromised by unauthorized charges.