No Fee Hike for 2026 UTME, DE — JAMB Reassure Parents, Candidates Nationwide

For its weekly bulletin wey come out on Monday, JAMB talk say registration fee for 2026 exercise go remain largely the same as last year, calming fears of parents and guardians wey dey already battle high cost of living.

According to the board, the decision follow direct instruction from President Bola Tinubu, as passed through the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, make all education-related agencies operate with “human-face policies” and consider the current economic realities wey Nigerian families dey face.

“This clarification na to properly guide members of the public wey wan plan for their children education,” JAMB talk, add say 2026 cost no go different from previous year.

Nine Years, No Fee Increase

JAMB further reveal say dem never increase UTME or DE fees for the past nine years, and under the current administration, registration cost even reduce.

Despite lower fees, the board insist say dem still dey run efficient system and don remit substantial funds to the Federal Government over the years.

“Any future increase go only happen if e become absolutely necessary to protect the integrity and quality of the examination,” JAMB stress.

This assurance come at a time when many families for cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba, Ilorin and Kaduna dey struggle to balance school expenses with rising food, transport and housing costs.

2026 UTME Registration Dates Confirmed

JAMB also announce official registration window for 2026 UTME:

• Start: Friday, January 31, 2026

• End: Saturday, March 8, 2026

The board warn say no extension go happen, urging parents, guardians and candidates make dem register on time.

NIN Errors Still Be Major Problem

JAMB also issue strong warning to candidates over National Identification Number (NIN) issues, say wrong or mismatched details dey cause many unnecessary problems every year.

“Candidates must verify that their NIN details are accurate before creating profiles,” the board warn.

According to JAMB, incorrect NIN information fit lead to serious registration and examination challenges, and not all correction requests go be entertained later.

Why This Matters

For millions of candidates across Nigeria — from Benin City to Uyo, Jos to Ado-Ekiti — UTME remains the main gateway to university, polytechnic and college of education admission.

With JAMB ruling out fee increase for 2026, attention now shift to early preparation, correct documentation and timely registration, as the board make am clear say deadline no go shift for anybody.

As exam season dey approach, JAMB message clear: fees stable, excuses limited, responsibility dey on candidates and parents.