Senate Expresses Concern Over JAMB Revenue Pressure on the Poor, Questions Rise in Personnel Costs

 

 

By Inalegwu Osemi

The Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Muntari Mohammed, has voiced concern over the substantial revenue being generated by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), warning that increasing charges may be placing undue pressure on indigent Nigerians seeking access to tertiary education.

The Director of the Registrar’s Office, Mufutau Bello, presented the agency’s budget summary before the committee, outlining its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) performance and future projections.
Bello disclosed that JAMB proposed ₦19.8 billion as IGR for the 2025 budget year and successfully generated ₦18.8 billion, demonstrating strong performance despite prevailing economic challenges. For the 2026 fiscal year, the examination body has projected ₦23.8 billion in IGR, representing a notable increase intended to sustain operations and enhance service delivery.
However, committee members raised concerns over the consistent upward trend in the agency’s revenue generation, observing that a significant portion of the funds is derived from examination registration fees paid by students, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds.
The committee cautioned the board against focusing excessively on revenue generation at the expense of access to education, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right and should not become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians.
Lawmakers underscored the need for JAMB to strike a balance between financial sustainability and social responsibility, urging the agency to moderate its revenue drive and introduce measures that would ease the financial burden on candidates and their families.
In addition, the committee queried the noticeable increase in personnel costs contained in the proposed 2026 budget, demanding detailed explanations to justify the rise. Members noted that while the agency’s revenue performance was commendable, any increase in personnel expenses must be supported by demonstrable value and improved efficiency.
Despite these reservations, the committee acknowledged JAMB’s strong operational record and encouraged it to sustain improvements in service delivery, stressing that enhanced performance brings heightened expectations and responsibilities.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the operations of government agencies, particularly those whose services directly affect millions of Nigerians seeking admission into higher institutions.