The Computer-Based Test Centres Proprietors Association of Nigeria has criticised the N700 registration service charge for UTME candidates. The association described the fee as inadequate amid Nigeria’s rising operational and logistical costs. Its President, Austin Ohaekelem, expressed concerns shortly after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced N1.57bn payments to accredited CBT centres.
The funds represent registration service charges collected during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration exercise. JAMB confirmed that it collects the N700 charge on behalf of participating centres. Afterwards, the board remits the money weekly alongside payments for ePIN registrations.
According to the board, a total of N1,570,671,200 has already been disbursed to participating centres. However, CBT operators insist the amount fails to reflect current operational realities. Ohaekelem explained that the N700 charge has remained unchanged since 2016. Nevertheless, inflation, energy expenses, and technology costs have increased significantly.
For example, a reliable laptop costs at least N150,000 and typically lasts three years. Therefore, centres handling thousands of candidates must invest heavily in equipment and maintenance. In addition, operators pay for diesel, staff salaries, rent, internet connectivity, and equipment repairs. In Lagos, annual rent for a 250-capacity CBT hall may exceed N3m.
Consequently, operators believe the registration charge barely covers essential operational expenses. They also noted that centres cannot collect the fee directly from candidates. Instead, JAMB collects the funds first and reimburses centres later. As a result, proprietors argue the arrangement creates misleading impressions about financial support.
Meanwhile, JAMB defended its system, stating that the cashless registration model improves transparency and reduces exploitation. The board also enforces a “No View, No Pay” monitoring policy. Under this system, payments are withheld if registration activities cannot be monitored remotely.
