The Computer-Based Test Centres Proprietors Association of Nigeria has voiced strong opposition to the N700 registration service charge imposed on candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to the association, this fee is not only 'grossly inadequate' but also increasingly burdensome, especially in light of the escalating operational costs and logistical issues faced by these centers. president of the association, Austin Ohaekelem, emphasized the challenges during an interview with The PUNCH, ensuring that the perspectives of the CBT operators are adequately represented in the discussion about registration fees.

This discussion comes right after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) revealed that it has disbursed a total of N1.57 billion to accredited CBT centers as part of the funding process for the 2026 UTME registration. JAMB announced through its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, that this amount represents the fees collected from candidates which are subsequently remitted to the CBT centers weekly alongside the charges for electronic PIN registrations. This financial influx is expected to help support the operational expenses of these centers, though operators argue it does not sufficiently address their financial challenges.

The controversy surrounding the registration fee raises broader implications about the accessibility and sustainability of examination processes in Nigeria. As economic challenges rise, the CBT centers are reiterating their calls for a review of the registration fee structure to better align with current costs. Stakeholders in the education sector may need to engage in discussions to explore solutions that ensure both the sustainability of the CBT centers and affordability for students seeking higher education opportunities in the country.