The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has projected an internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N23.8 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, representing an increase of about N4billion over its 2025 target.
The projection was disclosed on Wednesday during the budget defence session of the board before the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse.
Presenting the budget profile on behalf of the Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Dr. Muftau Bello, a director in the Office of the Registrar, said JAMB proposed a total budget of N30.6 billion for 2026, out of which N23.8 billion is expected to be generated internally, while N6 billion will be remitted to the Federation Account as operating surplus.
He also provided details of the board’s 2025 financial performance, stating that N18.5 billion was generated as IGR, with N4billion remitted to the federal government as surplus.
On preparations for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Bello disclosed that 1,000 examination centres have been created nationwide, compared to fewer than 800 centres used in 2025, to improve accessibility and efficiency.
Members of the committee commended the performance of JAMB under Oloyede’s leadership, describing the agency’s financial and operational records as commendable.
However, Senator Yohanna Amos (Adamawa North) urged the board to further reduce the current N3,500 examination fee to ease the burden on candidates.
Responding, Bello noted that the fee had already been reduced from N5,000 to N3,500 under the current Registrar, adding that the board was mindful of candidates’ financial constraints.
