Arewa Yoruba Youths Urge Federal Government to Cover JAMB Fees

The Association of Arewa Yoruba Youths (AAYY) has appealed to the federal government to alleviate the financial burden on parents by covering the JAMB registration fees for all eligible students nationwide.

According to the association, approximately 1.8 million students registered for JAMB last year, and the number is projected to rise to about 2 million this year.  Ambassador Lawal Hussein Taiye, the Association's National Coordinator, highlighted the financial implications of this initiative.  

He explained that with JAMB registration costing around ₦7,000 per applicant, the federal government would need nearly ₦14 billion to cover the fees for two million candidates.

“This will assist parents and less privileged students in registering for the examination, given the present hardship many households are experiencing in the country,” Hussein stated.  

Hussein also expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the ₦75,000 conditional cash transfer program proposed by the federal government. He argued that the funds might not reach the intended beneficiaries, instead ending up in the hands of self-serving or unfit politicians.

He called for a more practical and technology-driven approach to financial aid distribution, ensuring that resources reach those who truly need them.  

“Paying JAMB examination fees for students this year will go a long way in enabling many families, who cannot afford the fees, to register their students for the examination,” Hussein emphasized.   

The group urged President Bola Tinubu's administration to implement policies that have a direct and meaningful impact on Nigerians struggling with the country’s current economic challenges.

The AAYY believes that covering JAMB fees would be a practical step toward supporting families and ensuring educational opportunities for all students.