JAMB Targets N23.8bn IGR For 2026, Plans N6bn Remittance To Government Coffers

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a targeted internally generated revenue (IGR) of N23.8 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, N4 billion higher than its 2025 target.

The revenue projection and other budgetary proposals were presented on Wednesday to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND by Dr. Muftau Bello, a Director in the office of the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.

According to Dr. Bello, out of the N23.8 billion IGR, N6 billion is expected to be remitted into the federal government’s coffers as operating surplus.

He explained, “A total of N30.6 billion budget profile is proposed by JAMB in 2026, out of which N23.8 billion is to be generated internally and N6 billion to be remitted into the federation account as operating surplus for the year.”

Reflecting on 2025 performance, the Director reported that JAMB generated N18.5 billion in IGR, remitting N4 billion to the federation account.

On preparations for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Dr. Bello stated that 1,000 examination centres have been created, an increase from fewer than 800 centres used in 2025.

The Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse, commended JAMB’s performance under Professor Oloyede, giving the examination body a pass mark for its management and reforms.

However, Senator Yohanna Amos (Adamawa North) urged JAMB to consider reducing its current examination fee of N3,500.

Dr. Bello responded that the fee had previously been N5,000 before the current Registrar reduced it to N3,500, stressing the board’s commitment to affordability.

The budget presentation underscored JAMB’s strategic plan to expand revenue, improve operational efficiency, and enhance access to tertiary education across Nigeria.