Senate Questions JAMB’s Revenue Growth, Flags Impact on Low-Income Candidates

The Senate has expressed concern over the rising revenue profile of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), warning that the increasing financial demands on candidates could be worsening access to tertiary education for poor Nigerians.

The concern was raised during a budget defence session before the Senate Committee chaired by Senator Muntari Mohammed, where the Director of the Registrar’s Office, Mufutau Bello, presented the agency’s financial performance and projections.

In his presentation, Bello stated that JAMB proposed ₦19.8 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the 2025 fiscal year and realised ₦18.8 billion, describing the outcome as a strong showing despite prevailing economic constraints. For 2026, the examination body is projecting ₦23.8 billion in IGR, indicating a notable increase aimed at strengthening operations and improving service delivery.

However, lawmakers questioned the steady rise in the agency’s revenue, noting that much of the income is sourced from registration fees paid by prospective students. They expressed worry that the upward trend may be placing an unfair burden on candidates from low-income families.

Members of the committee stressed that while financial sustainability is important, it must not override the fundamental objective of ensuring broad and equitable access to education. They urged JAMB to demonstrate greater social responsibility by adopting measures that would reduce pressure on candidates and their families.

The committee also sought clarification on the increase in personnel costs captured in the proposed 2026 budget. Senators demanded a detailed breakdown to justify the higher expenditure, insisting that any rise in staff-related spending must correspond with measurable improvements in productivity and service efficiency.

Despite the reservations, the lawmakers commended JAMB for its operational performance and revenue efficiency, while emphasizing that transparency, accountability and fairness must remain central to its mandate.

The committee reiterated its resolve to sustain strict oversight of government agencies, especially institutions whose activities have direct implications for millions of Nigerians pursuing higher education.