The Senate has grilled the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over rising examination fees, technical problems, and limited access for students in rural areas.
During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, lawmakers expressed concern about the financial strain on students amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. Senator Amos Yohanna (PDP, Adamawa North) criticised the increasing costs for candidates, questioning the justification for the fees at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet.
Lawmakers also highlighted recent technical glitches on JAMB’s portal, urging the board to make the system smoother and more user-friendly for prospective students.
Committee Chairman Mohammed Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) called for better coordination among stakeholders in the tertiary admission process, noting that students often face difficulties securing admission due to poor synergy. He also stressed that all revenue generated by the board should be remitted to the Federation Account in line with government regulations to ensure transparency and sustainability.
Concerns were also raised about students in rural communities, many of whom lack easy access to registration and examination facilities. Lawmakers questioned JAMB’s increased budget allocation of over ₦1 billion, seeking details on whether it would cover staff recruitment and other expenditures.
In response, JAMB officials said additional Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres would be established nationwide to improve access, especially for underserved areas. The board also revealed that about one million candidates are expected for the 2025 admission cycle and projected an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ₦23.8 billion for 2026.
