A sigh of relief for Nigerian students and parents as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has downplayed any likelihood of a fee increase for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) application forms.
In its weekly bulletin released on Monday, JAMB clarified that the cost of UTME registration for 2026 will remain largely the same as the previous year, to ensure that the board's activities reflect "human-face policies" that consider the current economic realities facing Nigerian families.
Recommended: Get prepared with EduPadi CBT app to score high in JAMB
Official JAMB 2026 Registration Dates
For candidates planning to sit for the UTME or apply via Direct Entry in 2026, please take note the registration dates:
- Registration Portal Opens: Friday, January 31, 2026
- Registration Portal Closes: Saturday, March 8, 2026
Recommended: Study JAMB Past Questions & Answers for free
Action Tip: Do not wait until the final week. Given that no extension will be granted, registering in February is the safest way to avoid network congestion or technical issues.
Quick Checklist: What to Do Now
To ensure a stress-free registration process, follow these steps immediately:
- Verify NIN Details: Check your name spelling and date of birth at a NIMC center.
- Budget Early: Use last year's pricing as your guide, as the fee remains the same.
- Gather Documents: Ensure you have your O'Level results or details ready if applicable.
- Mark the Calendar: Set a reminder for January 31, 2026, to begin your application.
Recommended: Join JAMB CBT competitions and win prizes!
All the best!
