The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled its revenue and operational plans for the 2026 financial year, emphasizing significant growth targets and expanded examination capacity nationwide.
Under its 2026 budget proposal presented to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, JAMB aims to generate N23.8 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR). This projection marks an increase of N4 billion compared with what was achieved or targeted in 2025. Of this amount, the board anticipates remitting N6 billion to the Federation Account as an operating surplus for the year.
The revenue target is part of a broader N30.6 billion budget profile submitted by the board to lawmakers. JAMB officials, led by Dr. Muftau Bello representing the office of the Registrar, highlighted the agency’s recent performance and plans. In the previous year, JAMB generated N18.5 billion as IGR and remitted N4 billion to the Federation Account, demonstrating a pattern of steady growth under its current leadership.
A core component of JAMB’s operational strategy for 2026 focuses on improving accessibility and logistics for candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In preparation for the upcoming 2026 UTME cycle, the board has expanded its examination infrastructure by creating 1,000 UTME centres across Nigeria, up from fewer than 800 centres used in 2025. The expansion is designed to make testing more accessible, reduce travel burdens for candidates, and improve overall administration efficiency.
This expansion aligns with JAMB’s broader efforts to strengthen its capacity and better serve candidates nationwide. Earlier preparatory work for the 2026 UTME cycle included the accreditation of hundreds of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, a process aimed at ensuring standardised, secure, and technically competent testing venues. Officials tasked with the accreditation emphasised strict quality criteria, particularly in technology readiness and facility standards.
During deliberations with the Senate committee, some members expressed satisfaction with the board’s performance and its efforts to expand access and boost revenue. At the same time, certain lawmakers encouraged JAMB to consider reducing examination fees, which are currently set at N3,500 per candidate. Board representatives noted that the fee was previously N5,000 and had been reduced under the current administration to ease the financial burden on candidates.
As of mid-February 2026, JAMB reported that over 1.5 million candidates had completed registration for the UTME. Registration centres were operating at roughly 30 % capacity relative to the board’s daily registration ability, indicating room for further participation before the scheduled examination window from April 16 to April 25, 2026. The board confirmed that it would not extend the registration deadline, citing adherence to a nationally agreed examination calendar.
To combat malpractice and strengthen candidate verification, JAMB also introduced the use of Microsoft Camera systems at accredited CBT centres, aimed at improving identity verification and reducing impersonation or image manipulation during examinations.
Overall, JAMB’s 2026 strategy reflects a blend of financial discipline, infrastructure expansion, and process integrity, positioning the board to deliver an improved examination experience while advancing revenue performance.
