“JAMB Targets ₦23.8 Billion Revenue in 2026, Expands UTME Centres to 1,000 Nationwide to Boost Access
ABUJA, Nigeria”
Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to generate ₦23.8 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a projected increase of approximately ₦4 billion compared to its 2025 target. The examination body also disclosed an ambitious expansion of its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre network to 1,000 accredited facilities nationwide, aimed at improving accessibility and operational efficiency.
The disclosure was made during JAMB’s budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Finance at the National Assembly, where officials outlined the agency’s financial projections, operational reforms, and infrastructure expansion strategy for the coming year.
Revenue Growth Reflects Increased Candidate Participation and Operational Reforms
JAMB’s projected revenue growth reflects steady increases in UTME candidate registrations, expanded service offerings, and ongoing digital transformation initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and accountability. The Board generates most of its income through examination registration fees, result verification services, and other candidate related administrative processes.
Officials emphasized that the revenue increase aligns with broader federal government efforts to strengthen non-oil revenue streams through improved performance among government owned enterprises and agencies. JAMB has, in recent years, emerged as one of Nigeria’s most financially self sustaining examination bodies, consistently remitting surplus funds to the federal treasury.
According to publicly available government records and Senate proceedings, JAMB has remitted billions of naira in operational surplus since implementing financial transparency reforms, a shift widely regarded as a benchmark in public sector revenue accountability.
Expansion to 1,000 UTME Centres Aims to Improve Nationwide Access
As part of its operational roadmap, JAMB plans to increase the number of accredited UTME centres from current levels to approximately 1,000 nationwide. The expansion is intended to address logistical challenges faced by candidates, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where access to accredited computer based testing (CBT) facilities remains limited.
Education analysts note that increasing the number of centres could reduce travel burdens, lower examination-day congestion, and improve overall candidate experience while strengthening examination integrity.
JAMB has progressively transitioned to a fully computer based examination system since 2015, a move credited with reducing examination malpractice and improving administrative efficiency across Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Tertiary Admission Infrastructure
The UTME remains the primary gateway for admission into Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, with millions of candidates sitting for the examination annually. The planned centre expansion is expected to support growing demand for tertiary education, particularly as Nigeria’s youth population continues to expand rapidly.
Education sector stakeholders say JAMB’s financial and infrastructure expansion reflects both increased institutional capacity and sustained demand for higher education access across Africa’s most populous country.
The Board’s projections and expansion plans also underscore the critical role examination bodies play in supporting Nigeria’s education system while contributing to national revenue diversification efforts.
Broader Implications for Public Sector Financial Performance
JAMB’s revenue projection aligns with ongoing federal fiscal reforms aimed at improving internally generated revenue across government agencies. Analysts say such measures reduce reliance on oil revenues while strengthening financial sustainability in public institutions.
The Senate Committee on Finance is expected to finalize its review of JAMB’s 2026 budget proposal in the coming weeks as part of the broader federal appropriation process.