Ibadan, Nigeria – March 5, 2025 – As the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) draws closer, Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre operators have raised concerns over the rising cost of conducting the exams, calling on the National Assembly to intervene.
The CBT centre owners, particularly those in Oyo State, have urged the federal government and JAMB to review the current funding structure, arguing that the ₦700 per candidate fee paid to centres has remained stagnant since 2020, despite the soaring cost of operations.
“We Can’t Sustain This Any Longer” – CBT Operators Lament
With the economic downturn, inflation, and removal of fuel subsidies, CBT centre owners say they are struggling to keep their facilities running. Many argue that without a fee increment, sustaining their operations will become increasingly difficult, potentially affecting the smooth conduct of the UTME.
A CBT centre owner in Oyo town explained the challenges:
“We have invested heavily in infrastructure, but the operating costs have doubled. The ₦700 JAMB pays per candidate is no longer sustainable in today’s economy. If this issue isn’t addressed, many centres might shut down or refuse to conduct the exams.”
Rising Costs and Financial Burden
The CBT centre operators highlighted several key issues affecting their operations:
- Inflation on Examination Materials – Many exam-related materials have doubled in price over the past two years.
- Soaring Fuel Costs – With fuel subsidy removal, centres now spend twice as much on fueling generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
- Higher Staff Salaries – To retain experienced personnel, centre owners have been forced to increase wages, further straining finances.
- Infrastructure Maintenance – Running a CBT centre requires constant investment in computers, networking equipment, security, and power backups.
CBT Centre Owners Demand National Assembly’s Intervention
Given the urgent financial strain, CBT centre operators are calling on the National Assembly to step in and push for an upward review of JAMB’s fee payments.
Their demands include:
🔹 An increase in the ₦700 fee per candidate to reflect the current economic realities.
🔹 A mechanism for periodic fee adjustments to prevent future financial struggles.
🔹 Government support for CBT centre infrastructure, such as grants or subsidies for electricity and equipment upgrades.
Implications for the 2025 UTME
The 2025 UTME is fast approaching, and if these concerns are not addressed, it could disrupt the examination process, affecting over 1.5 million candidates nationwide. Many centre owners warn that unless the funding model is reviewed, some might pull out of the UTME process, leading to fewer available test centres and logistical difficulties for candidates.
A Call for Urgent Action
The ball is now in the court of the National Assembly and JAMB, as stakeholders urge them to act swiftly before the situation worsens.
With Nigeria’s education system already facing numerous challenges, will the government listen and act in time? Or will CBT centres struggle through another year of financial hardship?
Only time will tell.