The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has disclosed that it has remitted more than N50bn in operating surplus to the Federal Government over the last 10 years.
The board’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made the disclosure during a virtual dialogue organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria.
The discussion focused on the board’s admission policies, reforms and the leadership record of JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede.
Board says remittance does not mean revenue focus
Benjamin explained that JAMB’s remittances were made in line with government regulations requiring agencies to return part of their excess operating surplus.
He said the payments should not be interpreted to mean that JAMB was created primarily as a revenue-generating institution.
According to him, the board’s ability to save money came from improved technology, reforms and measures aimed at reducing operational expenses.
Technology reforms reduce examination costs
Benjamin highlighted the transition from the use of Very Small Aperture Terminal, VSAT, technology to telecom-based connectivity during examinations.
He said the change significantly reduced connectivity costs for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
The spokesman explained that the previous system cost about N1.2bn, while the newer approach reduced the expense to below N100m.
JAMB considers possible UTME fee review
Benjamin also suggested that the current UTME registration fee of N3,500 may require reconsideration due to rising operational expenses.
He explained that the fee was reduced from N5,000 in 2018 after cost-saving measures but increasing economic pressures could affect future decisions.
According to him, JAMB remains one of the cheapest examination bodies globally, adding that the registration fee is used partly to pay accredited Computer-Based Test centres.
He noted that some CBT operators have raised concerns over increasing costs of running their facilities.
Leadership transition ahead
Benjamin said JAMB’s recent reforms, including computer-based testing, biometric verification and mock examinations, have helped strengthen examination credibility and reduce malpractice.
The tenure of Prof Ishaq Oloyede as JAMB Registrar is expected to end on July 31, 2026, with Prof Segun Aina scheduled to take over from August 1, 2026.