The Association of Arewa Yoruba Youths (AAYY) has called on the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to cover the registration fees for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates. The group made the appeal in light of the prevailing economic hardship affecting many families across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Lawal Hussein Taiye, the group emphasized the significant financial relief this initiative would provide to parents and students. Taiye noted that around 1.8 million students registered for JAMB last year, and the figure is expected to rise to approximately 2 million this year.
“JAMB registration costs about ₦7,000 per applicant. For two million candidates, the total cost will be approximately ₦14 billion. This intervention will assist parents and less privileged students who are struggling to register for the examination amidst the current economic realities,” Hussein said.
Hussein, who also leads the Tinubu Mukeso group, added that paying the registration fees would alleviate the burden on families and encourage more students to participate in the examination.
Criticism of Current Cash Transfer System
Hussein criticized the federal government’s conditional cash transfer scheme, which provides ₦75,000 to individuals, stating that the funds may not reach those who genuinely need them. “Such funds often end up in the pockets of selfish politicians rather than benefitting the intended recipients,” he said.
He urged the government to adopt a more efficient and transparent digital system for distributing support to ensure it reaches those in need.
An Appeal to Support Education
According to Hussein, covering JAMB registration fees would be a more direct and impactful way of supporting struggling families. “Paying JAMB examination fees for students this year will enable many homes that cannot afford it to register their children, providing them with an opportunity for a brighter future,” he said.
The group appealed to the Tinubu administration to implement policies that directly benefit Nigerians, particularly those grappling with the harsh economic conditions. They expressed hope that such measures would address the challenges faced by the nation’s youths and contribute to improving access to education.
The call by AAYY underscores the growing demand for policies that address the economic realities facing Nigerian families and provide tangible support to the nation’s youth.