Senators Raise Alarm Over JAMB Fees, Technical Glitches and Budget Increase

Members of the Senate have questioned rising costs and operational challenges within the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), citing growing hardship among Nigerian families.

During the session, Senator Amos Yohanna (PDP, Adamawa North) criticised what he described as increasing financial pressure on students, asking the board to justify its examination charges amid widespread poverty.

Lawmakers also pointed to recent technical issues affecting candidates trying to access JAMB’s registration portal, demanding clarity on steps being taken to improve system efficiency and user experience.

Committee Chairman Mohammed Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) stressed the need for better coordination in the tertiary admission process, noting that many students face annual difficulties securing university placements due to poor synergy among relevant institutions.

The committee further emphasised the importance of ensuring that all revenues generated by JAMB are fully remitted to the Federation Account in line with government financial regulations.

Lawmakers additionally raised concerns about rural students who struggle with limited access to registration and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

In response, JAMB officials announced plans to establish more CBT centres nationwide to ease access, particularly in underserved communities.

The board disclosed that about one million candidates are expected in the 2025 admission cycle, marking a significant rise in enrollment figures. It also projected an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ?23.8 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.

The National Assembly has grilled the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over rising fees, technical setbacks, and its proposed ?23.8 billion Internally Generated Revenue for 2026.

Senator Amos Yohanna (PDP, Adamawa North) expressed concern over the mounting financial burden on candidates, arguing that many families are already grappling with economic hardship.

Lawmakers also questioned the board about recent portal login difficulties experienced by candidates, urging immediate improvements to make the system more reliable and accessible.

Committee Chairman Mohammed Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) highlighted recurring admission challenges faced by students, calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the tertiary education system to reduce yearly bottlenecks.

The committee also sought clarification on JAMB’s increased budget allocation, reportedly exceeding ?1 billion, and requested a detailed breakdown of planned expenditures, including whether funds would be used for staff recruitment.

Responding to the concerns, JAMB assured lawmakers that additional CBT centres would be rolled out nationwide to improve accessibility, especially in rural areas.

The board added that approximately one million candidates are expected to participate in the 2025 admission process, reflecting continued growth in tertiary education demand.