JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Results For Underage Candidates, Sets Strict Admission Conditions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of candidates who were below the required admission age for viewing.

The Board, however, clarified that obtaining a UTME result does not automatically make an underage candidate eligible for admission into a tertiary institution.

According to Bush Radio Academy, JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.

Benjamin explained that an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise refers to anyone who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026.

He said the results were released primarily to enable the affected candidates, as well as their parents and guardians, to know their performance in the examination.

However, he stressed that the results cannot be used for admission or any other official purpose unless the candidate satisfies JAMB’s requirements for exceptional consideration.

Candidates can check their results by sending the word “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same telephone number and SIM card used during UTME registration.

JAMB had previously stated that only underage candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and satisfy all stipulated conditions would be considered for admission.

Benjamin therefore warned candidates who do not meet the requirements against presenting their UTME results to tertiary institutions or individuals in an attempt to obtain admission.

He explained that the exceptional admission process involves several stages of assessment designed to determine whether an underage candidate possesses not only outstanding academic ability but also the required level of maturity.

Among the conditions is a minimum UTME score of 320, alongside a minimum of 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, where applicable.

Candidates are also expected to satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and participate in the prescribed final assessment conducted by relevant experts.

According to JAMB, the process is intended to distinguish genuinely exceptional underage candidates from those who simply achieved impressive scores in the UTME.

The Board disclosed that the assessment process is still ongoing because all the required stages have not yet been concluded.

JAMB also explained that it would await the release of the National Examinations Council (NECO) results before completing the final assessment, particularly for candidates who are currently awaiting their results.

Benjamin said the date for the final assessment would be announced after the release of the NECO results.

He further emphasized that admission for underage candidates would not be determined solely by their UTME scores. Instead, candidates must successfully complete the entire assessment process and satisfy all conditions established by the Board.

The JAMB spokesperson also issued a warning to parents, guardians, candidates and members of the public to be wary of individuals who claim they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process.

He reiterated that sitting for the UTME and obtaining a result does not amount to an automatic guarantee of admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the stipulated admission age.

JAMB assured the public that the exceptional admission assessment would remain transparent, rigorous and merit-based, stressing that the Board would continue to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.

The Board maintained that only candidates who successfully meet all the established requirements would be considered for admission under the exceptional provision for underage candidates.