CBT Operators Slam ₦700 Registration Fee as JAMB Remits ₦1.57bn
Operators of Computer‑Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria have criticised the long‑standing **₦700 CBT registration service charge**, describing it as grossly inadequate against rising costs of running their facilities — even as the **Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remitted ₦1.57 billion** to accredited centres for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration exercise.
Quick Insight: CBT centre owners argue that the current registration fee — unchanged for about ten years — no longer reflects the realities of inflation, operational expenses, and logistics.
Why Operators Are Protesting
The Computer‑Based Test Centres Proprietors Association of Nigeria says that while JAMB collects the ₦700 registration service charge (included in the UTME ePIN fee) and remits it weekly to centres nationwide, the amount has not increased despite rising costs in equipment, staff wages, rent, and fuel.
The Remittance of ₦1.57bn
JAMB’s weekly bulletin stated that a total of **₦1,570,671,200** was remitted to accredited CBT centres that participated in the 2026 UTME registration exercise. The board said the arrangement, where the registration charge is collected alongside the ePIN fee and paid directly to centres, was intended to reduce exploitation of candidates and simplify the payment process.
Operators Call for Fee Review
CBT centre operators, led by Association President Austin Ohaekelem, argue that the ₦700 fee was appropriate a decade ago, but today does not cover basic costs — particularly in major cities where overheads such as rent and equipment maintenance have significantly increased.
JAMB’s Fee Structure and Defense
JAMB maintains that its official fee structure — including the ₦700 centre registration charge — has not changed since 2018 and that any accredited centre found overcharging candidates will be sanctioned. The official breakdown includes application fees, a reading text, UTME service charges, and bank fees.
Final Thoughts
The debate over the adequacy of the ₦700 registration service charge highlights ongoing tensions between examination organisers and private partners. As operational costs rise for CBT centres nationwide, calls for a review of fees could gain strength — especially if sustained concerns continue to affect service delivery.
Tip: Fee adjustments in nationwide exams like JAMB have ripple effects across education providers — especially private centres whose survival depends on covering operational costs. Regular review of service charges can help sustain quality and fairness in exam administration.
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