THE Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on Wednesday subjected officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) to intense scrutiny, raising far-reaching concerns over examination charges, recurring technical failures, rural access to tertiary education, and the board’s rising revenue projections.
News Point Nigeria reports that the session, which formed part of the National Assembly’s oversight functions, highlighted growing frustration among lawmakers over what they described as increasing financial burdens on Nigerian students amid prevailing economic hardship.
Leading the charge was Senator Amos Yohanna (PDP, Adamawa North), who questioned the justification for JAMB’s examination fees at a time when many Nigerian families are grappling with poverty and inflation.
Yohanna argued that the cumulative cost of registration, examination materials, and related charges places significant strain on low-income households, potentially discouraging qualified candidates from pursuing higher education.
“Many families are struggling to survive. We must ensure that access to tertiary education is not reserved only for those who can afford it,” he stressed.
Lawmakers also drew attention to recent technical challenges experienced by candidates attempting to log into JAMB’s online portal. Several senators cited complaints of login failures, slow system responses, and difficulties during critical registration periods.
The committee demanded that the board outline concrete steps being taken to upgrade its digital infrastructure and ensure a seamless, user-friendly experience for prospective students.
Members warned that persistent system inefficiencies could undermine public confidence in the admission process.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Mohammed Dandutse (APC, Katsina South), emphasized the need for improved coordination within Nigeria’s tertiary admission ecosystem.
According to him, thousands of students encounter annual setbacks due to poor synergy among JAMB, universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
He urged the board to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to reduce admission bottlenecks and eliminate avoidable delays that often leave candidates in uncertainty.
Beyond operational concerns, the committee underscored the importance of financial accountability. Dandutse insisted that revenue generated by JAMB must be fully remitted to the Federation Account in line with existing government financial regulations.
He described strict adherence to remittance policies as essential for transparency, sustainability, and public trust in government institutions.
Lawmakers also queried the board’s increased budget allocation, reportedly exceeding ₦1 billion. Senators sought clarification on whether the increment was earmarked for staff recruitment, infrastructure expansion, or technological upgrades.
The committee requested a detailed breakdown of the proposed expenditure framework to justify the higher allocation.
Several senators spotlighted the plight of students in rural communities, noting that many lack adequate access to registration centres and examination facilities.
They warned that limited infrastructure in underserved areas could widen educational inequality, leaving rural candidates at a systemic disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts.
In response, JAMB officials disclosed plans to establish additional Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
The expansion, according to the board, is aimed at reducing travel distances for candidates and improving overall access to examination facilities.
Officials maintained that the board is working to strengthen its digital systems to prevent future disruptions.
JAMB further revealed that approximately one million candidates are projected to participate in the 2025 admission cycle, a significant rise in enrollment figures that underscores the growing demand for tertiary education in Nigeria.
The board assured lawmakers that preparations are underway to accommodate the anticipated surge in applicants.
In a disclosure that drew further scrutiny, JAMB announced a proposed Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target of ₦23.8 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.
While officials described the target as part of efforts to enhance institutional sustainability, lawmakers emphasized that revenue generation must not come at the expense of accessibility and affordability for students.