JAMB remits over N50bn to Federal Government in 10 years, clarifies revenue generation role

Dr. Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Adviser of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB, announced that the organization has remitted over N50bn in operating surplus to the Federal Government over the past decade. This disclosure was made during a dialogue organized by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria, which reviewed Professor Ishaq Oloyede’s 10-year leadership. Benjamin clarified that JAMB is not a revenue-generating agency but remits a percentage of its excess surplus as required by law. He attributed these remittances to technological innovations and cost-cutting measures implemented under Professor Oloyede, such as replacing Very Small Aperture Terminal technology with telecommunication-based connectivity, which reduced the cost of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination connectivity from approximately N1.2bn to less than N100m. Benjamin also noted that the current Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration fee of N3,500 might not be sustainable due to rising economic costs, hinting at a potential review. He emphasized that any future fee adjustment would be based on economic conditions, not a deliberate effort to increase revenue, and highlighted that JAMB's fees are among the lowest globally. Professor Oloyede's tenure is set to conclude on July 31, 2026, with Professor Segun Aina resuming office on August 1, 2026.