JAMB Pays ₦3B to CBT Centres, Warns Violators

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a preliminary payment of ₦3,006,339,887 to accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria for services rendered during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Described as an “initial part-payment,” the move is designed to ease rising tensions among CBT operators and ensure that UTME-related activities proceed smoothly, even as some centres remain under ongoing security investigations.

Accountability First, Support for the Compliant

In a statement issued this week, JAMB positioned the disbursement as a proactive step to address operational concerns raised by the centres. The Board stressed that further payments are still under review and will depend on each centre’s regulatory compliance and the outcome of ongoing audits.

JAMB drew a strict line: “Any centres found to violate regulations will not receive payment,” reinforcing its long-standing zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

Rejecting Pressure, Defending the Process

Amid public criticism by some operators over alleged delays, JAMB responded with strong language, condemning the narrative as a form of pressure and blackmail. The Board emphasised that these centres are well aware of the established payment timelines, which typically commence after the UTME and mop-up exercises conclude.

“While the Board acknowledges the concerns raised, it remains committed to due process. Centres have always received their payments post-examination, and this norm has not changed,” the statement read.

Weekly Payments During Registration

To counter claims of neglect, JAMB highlighted that CBT centres received weekly payments throughout the UTME registration phase, right up until its close. This, the Board argued, reaffirms its ongoing financial support and commitment to contractual obligations.

“The centres are familiar with the existing procedures, and it is misleading to suggest they have been left without support,” it stated.

Consequences for Breach of Trust

Importantly, JAMB reserved the right to reclaim disbursed funds should any centre under investigation be found guilty of malpractice. The Board made it clear that legal action may follow in such cases.

“The Board retains the ability to recover funds from any centres implicated in ongoing investigations, even if it means instituting legal procedures,” the statement concluded.

As the 2025 UTME cycle approaches its final stages, this payment marks a pivotal move in JAMB’s bid to balance operational continuity with institutional integrity. The Board’s approach signals a strong stance: support for compliant partners, accountability for all.