The steady increase in Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME), acceptance, and clearance fees across Nigerian universities has triggered widespread concern among parents, students, and education stakeholders.
Stakeholders argue that the rising charges—combined with the logistical hurdles of traveling long distances for physical screenings—are placing additional financial strain on families already struggling with economic hardship.
They have called for a downward review of Post-UTME fees, the cancellation of acceptance and clearance charges, and the adoption of online screening methods to reduce the burden and risks faced by candidates and their families.
Originally fixed at ₦2,000, Post-UTME fees in some institutions now range between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000, far above the directive previously issued by former Education Minister Adamu Adamu that capped the charges at ₦2,000. In addition, candidates offered admission are often required to pay non-refundable acceptance fees ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, which stakeholders describe as exploitative.
Parents across the country have shared their ordeals. Some recounted the risks of long-distance travel, the high costs of accommodation, and the lack of basic provisions during screenings. One parent, who traveled from Kaduna to Ilorin with his two children for the University of Ilorin’s 2025 Post-UTME, described the journey as “tedious and risky,” citing insecurity on the highways and the absence of facilities for accompanying parents.
Another parent, who faced similar challenges at different universities, described the process as “financially draining” and urged the government to mandate online screenings, as already adopted by some institutions such as Federal University, Lafia, and Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.
Students themselves have voiced frustration, calling the rising charges a form of “admission extortion” that threatens to deny opportunities to talented but less-privileged candidates.
Education experts have also raised alarm. A retired director of quality assurance warned that the costs could push children from poor and middle-income families out of higher education entirely, while the President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Prof. Boniface Odeh, acknowledged that while Post-UTME remains a useful assessment tool, the current economic climate makes the associated fees unsustainable.
Stakeholders have proposed several solutions, including:
- Streamlining admission processes to cut down on costs and travel.
- Reviewing acceptance and clearance fees to make them affordable and transparent.
- Expanding the number of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
- Exploring alternative assessment methods that reduce financial and logistical pressure on families.
With the 2025 admission season underway, education stakeholders are warning that without urgent intervention, the rising costs and logistical hurdles may further limit access to tertiary education in Nigeria.