Post by Henry Emeka (@Emekus)

To The Esteemed Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Stakeholder and Board members 240 million Nigerians are writing to respectfully advocate for a review of the current fee structure associated with admission processing, O’Level verification, and related charges imposed on applicants seeking entry into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

240 million of Nigerians—an estimated 240 million Nigerians—continue to struggle under severe economic hardship, widespread poverty, and limited access to stable electricity and essential services. In this context, education remains one of the few viable pathways for social mobility, national development, and long-term economic recovery. However, the cumulative financial burden placed on applicants has become a significant barrier to opportunity.

Currently, candidates seeking 100-level admission through UTME into affiliated Colleges of Education face additional costs, including the option to migrate to the NCE programme. Those who choose the NCE route must obtain an O’Level verification code and pay a ₦700 registration fee. Furthermore, the newly introduced mandatory O’Level verification costs ₦1,500 for one sitting and ₦2,000 for two sittings.

While these fees may appear modest individually, they collectively create a substantial obstacle for families already struggling to meet basic needs. Many prospective students are forced to abandon their educational aspirations due to financial constraints.

In light of these realities, we respectfully urge JAMB to consider the following:

Abolishing or significantly reducing applicant fees for UTME, DE, NCE, and O’Level verification.

Exploring government-backed subsidies to ensure that no Nigerian is denied education due to inability to pay.

Working toward a long-term national vision where education is free from primary to PhD levels across all 36 states and 774 Local Government Areas.

Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national progress. Removing financial barriers will not only empower millions of young Nigerians but also strengthen the nation’s human capital and future competitiveness.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We trust that JAMB will continue to uphold its commitment to fairness, accessibility, and national development.

0 likes · 0 comments · 0 shares