Candidates applying for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions will now pay a one-off fee of N4,000 to verify their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or O’Level results. The change comes after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) announced the new policy. The fee is intended to streamline the verification process and ensure the authenticity of candidates’ academic records.

The move follows reports of discrepancies in previous verification processes, which led to delays in admissions. The N4,000 fee is a flat rate, meaning each candidate will pay the same amount regardless of the number of results they submit. The payment is expected to be processed through an online portal, reducing the need for physical submissions.

Students and parents have expressed mixed reactions to the new policy. While some welcome the streamlined process, others are concerned about the financial burden, especially for those from low-income backgrounds. The policy is set to take effect for the upcoming academic year, with details on the online verification process to be released soon.