Rising Post-UTME Fees Spark Concerns Among Parents, Students

Rising Post-UTME Fees Spark Concerns Among Parents, Students

The increasing costs of Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) and acceptance fees in Nigerian universities have raised serious concerns among parents, students, and education stakeholders.

Despite a directive from the former Minister of Education to cap Post-UTME fees at N2,000, many institutions have continued to charge higher fees, ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 or more.

Parents have expressed frustration over the financial burden imposed by these fees, particularly when combined with other expenses such as Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration, transportation, and accommodation.

The acceptance fee, which ranges from N50,000 to N100,000, has also been criticized as unnecessary and exploitative.

Some parents have shared their experiences, highlighting the logistical challenges and financial strain caused by the Post-UTME screening process.

One parent, Mr. Fred Ugochukwu, recounted his ordeal with his two children during the University of Ilorin’s 2025 Post-UTME screening, where he had to travel from Kaduna to Ilorin and pay for accommodation and food.

Stakeholders are calling for the Federal Ministry of Education and regulatory bodies to intervene and establish standard guidelines for Post-UTME and acceptance fees.

Some have suggested that institutions adopt online screening processes to reduce the burden on candidates and their families.

The duplication of entrance examinations, including the JAMB-conducted UTME and institution-specific Post-UTME, has also been criticized for imposing unnecessary costs and burdens on students.

As the debate continues, many are hoping for a more streamlined and affordable admission process that prioritizes equal access to education.