The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on Sunday an increase in registration fees for next year's Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the qualifying exam for admission into Nigerian universities.
According to the statement, the updated registration fee for UTME inclusive of a mock exam will be ₦7,700, up from ₦6,700 previously. The fee without the mock exam will be ₦6,200, increased from ₦5,700. Application documents for foreign candidates will now cost $30.
Registration for the 2024 UTME is set to open January 15th, with candidates having six weeks until February 26th to complete the process. The mock exam will be held March 7th, allowing students to gauge preparedness ahead of the main exam April 19th-29th.
The price hike marks the first increase in UTME registration fees since 2022. A JAMB spokesperson stated the adjustment was necessary to cover rising operating costs for the exam body. With over 2 million candidates registering annually, the UTME is one of the largest standardized tests globally.
Critics argue the additional costs could barrier access for financially disadvantaged applicants. However, JAMB maintains exam affordability remains a priority, noting its fees are still lowest among similar exams worldwide.
Direct Entry registration opens later, from February 28th-March 28th. JAMB said further details on 2024 exam logistics will be communicated in due course. Candidates can start creating profiles on the JAMB website.
