The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund questions the leadership of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over examination charges, portal system failures and limited access to tertiary education for students in rural communities.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the lawmakers raise concerns during a high-level oversight meeting in Abuja, focusing on the financial burden placed on candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) amid prevailing economic hardship across the country.
During the session, Senator Amos from Adamawa State criticizes what he describes as mounting costs associated with tertiary admissions, questioning the justification for fees charged to prospective students. He notes that many families are grappling with poverty and rising living expenses, making access to higher education increasingly challenging.
Mediaplusng.com reports that members of the committee also highlight recent technical difficulties experienced by candidates attempting to log into JAMB’s portal, calling for urgent improvements to ensure a seamless and user-friendly digital registration process.
Lawmakers stress that recurring system glitches not only frustrate candidates but also undermine public confidence in the admission process. They demand that the Board outline concrete measures to enhance its technology infrastructure, reduce downtime and prevent disruptions during peak registration periods.
In further deliberations covered by Mediaplusng.com, the committee chairman urges JAMB to strengthen coordination within Nigeria’s tertiary admission framework, noting that students continue to encounter admission bottlenecks due to limited synergy among universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The chairman emphasizes the need for greater efficiency in the management of revenue generated by the Board. He underscores that funds must be fully remitted to the Federation Account in line with government financial regulations to ensure transparency and long-term sustainability.
Several lawmakers also draw attention to the plight of students in rural communities, pointing out that many lack adequate access to accredited registration centers and Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities. They argue that geographical barriers and poor infrastructure widen educational inequality.
The committee further queries JAMB over its increased budget allocation, reportedly exceeding one billion naira. Legislators request clarification on whether the proposed increase is tied to staff recruitment, expansion of CBT centres, or upgrades to digital infrastructure.
In response, JAMB officials inform the committee that additional CBT centres will be established nationwide to ease access challenges, particularly in underserved and remote areas. They explain that expanding the network of centres is aimed at reducing travel distances and minimizing logistical stress for candidates.
The Board also discloses that approximately one million candidates are expected to participate in the 2025 admission cycle, reflecting a significant rise in enrollment figures and increasing demand for tertiary education opportunities.
On financial projections, JAMB announces a proposed Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target of 23.8 billion naira for the 2026 fiscal year, assuring lawmakers that strict financial management systems are in place to guarantee accountability and regulatory compliance.
Education stakeholders observe that the Senate’s scrutiny signals heightened legislative oversight of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system, particularly in areas of affordability, digital reliability and rural inclusion.
As discussions continue, the Senate Committee reiterates its commitment to ensuring that tertiary education remains accessible, transparent and equitable for all Nigerians, regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location.
