The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund convened on Wednesday to scrutinize the operations of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), addressing critical concerns regarding the financial burden on students, technical glitches, and the exclusion of rural candidates from the nation’s higher education system.
During the oversight session, Senator Amos Yohanna (PDP/Adamawa North) challenged the board’s current fee structure, describing the costs as prohibitive for many families currently navigating severe economic hardship. Yohanna questioned the justification for these charges, urging the board to consider the prevailing poverty levels across the country.
In addition to financial concerns, the Committee highlighted frequent technical failures within the JAMB portal. Lawmakers demanded a clear roadmap from the board to resolve login issues and create a more seamless, user-friendly digital experience for prospective students.
Committee Chairman, Senator Mohammed Dandutse (APC/Katsina South), emphasized the need for better coordination between JAMB and tertiary institutions. He noted that a lack of synergy among stakeholders continues to create unnecessary bottlenecks for students seeking admission.
Chairman Dandutse also reinforced the importance of fiscal transparency, stating:
“It is paramount that all revenue generated by the board is fully remitted to the Federation Account. Adherence to government financial regulations is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.”
Lawmakers raised the alarm over the “digital divide” affecting students in rural areas who lack access to registration and examination facilities. In response, JAMB officials announced plans to establish additional Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide, specifically targeting underserved communities to bridge the accessibility gap.
The Committee further sought clarification on JAMB’s increased budget allocation, which has reportedly climbed above ₦1 billion. Lawmakers requested a detailed expenditure framework to determine if these funds are earmarked for critical staff recruitment or infrastructure.
Looking ahead, JAMB officials provided the following projections:
Enrollment: Approximately one million candidates are expected to participate in the 2025 admission cycle.
Revenue: The board has proposed an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ₦23.8 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.
The Senate Committee concluded by urging JAMB to prioritize the welfare of students while maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
