The Computer-Based Test Centres Proprietors Association of Nigeria has expressed dissatisfaction with the ₦700 registration service fee allocated to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the amount as unrealistic in the face of rising operational expenses.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, the association’s president, Austin Ohaekelem, reacted to the announcement by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that it had disbursed ₦1.57 billion to accredited CBT centres that participated in the 2026 UTME registration exercise.
In a bulletin released through its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB explained that the payment represents the ₦700 registration service charge collected from candidates on behalf of CBT centres during the exercise.
The board added that the funds are remitted to centres weekly alongside other charges tied to UTME ePIN registration.
According to the statement, “In line with this arrangement, the Board has remitted a total of ₦1,570,671,200 to CBT centres that participated in the 2026 UTME registration exercise.”
JAMB also maintained that its fee structure has remained unchanged since 2018 and cautioned that any CBT centre found imposing additional charges on candidates would face disciplinary measures.
Currently, the board charges ₦7,200 for UTME registration only, ₦8,700 for candidates who opt for UTME with a mock examination, and ₦5,700 for Direct Entry applications.
The total cost includes several components such as the application fee, reading text, CBT registration service charge, UTME service charge, bank charges, and mock examination fee where applicable.
Proprietors Say Fee Is No Longer Sustainable
Despite the payments, Ohaekelem insisted that the ₦700 allocation no longer reflects the economic realities facing CBT centre operators across the country.
He pointed out that the amount was set nearly a decade ago and has not been reviewed despite rising inflation and new operational requirements.
“When I joined the CBT programme in 2016, the registration fee was ₦700.
Ten years later, it is still ₦700, even though the cost of living and running these centres has increased significantly,” he said.
He explained that maintaining CBT facilities requires significant investment in equipment, infrastructure, and manpower.
According to him, laptops used for the registration process cost at least ₦150,000 and typically last only about three years.
With centres handling thousands of candidates during the registration period, the operational burden can be substantial.
“If a centre registers about 3,000 candidates, that amounts to ₦2.1 million. From that amount, operators must pay staff salaries, fuel generators, maintain equipment, cover rent, and handle repairs,” he explained.
Ohaekelem also highlighted the high cost of renting facilities, particularly in major cities like Lagos.
“In Lagos, renting a hall with a capacity of about 250 candidates costs at least ₦3 million annually. In areas like Ebute Metta, the cost of running a CBT centre can exceed ₦5 million yearly,” he added.
How the Payment System Works
The association’s president further clarified that CBT centres do not directly collect the ₦700 service fee from candidates.
Instead, the centres initially remit the payment to JAMB before receiving reimbursement from the board later.
“What happens is that we first pay the amount to JAMB during the registration process.
Afterward, the board refunds it weekly. It may appear as if JAMB is giving us grants, but in reality, the money belongs to the centres,” he said.
Ohaekelem also emphasised the growing demand for skilled personnel to manage registration activities and supervise examinations, noting that these costs are borne by the centres.
“During registration and examinations, there are crowds of candidates, and staff must be present to manage the process.
All these expenses are covered by a fee that has not changed in ten years,” he said, adding that the amount is no longer adequate.
While acknowledging the role CBT centres play in Nigeria’s education system, he lamented that their contributions are often overlooked by relevant authorities.
“We are an important part of the education ecosystem, but many institutions treat us as a pressure group rather than partners.
We even wrote to the Minister of Education last year, but we have yet to receive a response,” he said.
JAMB Defends Cashless Registration System
Meanwhile, JAMB defended its current payment structure, stating that its cashless registration model has significantly reduced irregularities and prevented centres from collecting unauthorised fees from candidates.
The board noted that the system has strengthened transparency and accountability, especially among privately owned CBT centres.
Under the arrangement, candidates purchase the UTME ePIN and complete their registration at any accredited centre without making additional payments.
JAMB also reiterated its “No View, No Pay” policy, which allows the board to withhold payments if it cannot monitor registration activities remotely from its headquarters in Abuja.
Payments are only released after any detected irregularities are resolved.
According to the board, the monitoring mechanism forms part of its broader technology-driven reforms aimed at ensuring compliance with registration guidelines.
UTME Registration Ends
The 2026 UTME registration exercise officially ended on February 28, while the examinations are scheduled to take place nationwide from April 16 to April 25.
Registration for the Direct Entry programme began on March 2 and will run until April 25.
Oloyede Speaks on HND Admissions
Meanwhile, the Registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, has clarified the board’s position regarding admissions for Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.
Oloyede made the clarification during a meeting with representatives of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, led by Eshofune Oghayan.
The registrar explained that JAMB does not handle admissions into HND programmes, stressing that such responsibilities lie with polytechnics.
According to him, the board therefore does not possess the necessary data required to facilitate the participation of HND graduates in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.
He noted that admissions conducted by JAMB are processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which automates the admission process into tertiary institutions and ensures transparency.
Oloyede also criticised certain “Daily Part-Time” HND programmes and institutions that bypass the CAPS platform, describing the practice as exploitative.
He revealed that some polytechnics had admitted thousands of students through irregular processes, with one institution reportedly recording more than 42,000 questionable admissions.
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According to him, such irregularities often result in the National Youth Service Corps rejecting affected graduates.
“If institutions follow the proper admission procedures, there will be no problem. On our part, we will continue to deliver services that benefit all stakeholders,” he said.