JAMB releases 2026 UTME results for underage candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of underage candidates for viewing.
JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
Benjamin explained that the release of the results does not automatically make all underage candidates eligible for admission, stressing that only those who meet the board’s strict requirements for exceptional consideration may be admitted.
According to him, an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise is anyone who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026.
He said the results were released mainly to allow candidates and their parents or guardians to know their performance, adding that they cannot be used for admission or other official purposes unless the candidate qualifies under JAMB’s exceptional admission process.
Candidates can check their results by sending “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM card used during UTME registration.
Benjamin said exceptionally performing underage candidates must meet several conditions, including scoring at least 320 in the UTME and obtaining a minimum of 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, where applicable.
He added that eligible candidates must also satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts.
The JAMB spokesperson said the rigorous process was designed to distinguish genuinely exceptional underage candidates from those who simply performed well in the UTME.
He noted that the assessment process was still ongoing because candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results must be given the opportunity to submit them for verification.
According to him, JAMB will announce the date for the final assessment after the release of the NECO results.
Benjamin urged parents, guardians and candidates to be wary of individuals claiming they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process.
He reiterated that sitting for the UTME and obtaining a result do not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the prescribed admission age.
He assured the public that the exceptional admission process would remain transparent, rigorous and merit-based to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.
