The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results of underage candidates for viewing.
JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
However, Benjamin stressed that releasing the results does not mean every underage candidate qualifies for admission. Only candidates who meet the requirements for exceptional consideration can proceed with the admission process.
JAMB explains who qualifies as underage
JAMB considers a candidate underage if the candidate will be below 16 years old by September 30, 2026.
Benjamin explained that the Board released the results mainly so candidates, parents and guardians could know their UTME performance. He warned that underage candidates cannot use the results for admission or other official purposes unless they meet JAMB’s requirements for exceptional admission.
Candidates can check their results by sending “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019. They must use the same phone number they used during UTME registration.
320 UTME score required for exceptional consideration
Benjamin said JAMB had earlier established strict conditions for underage candidates seeking admission.
One key requirement is a minimum UTME score of 320. Candidates must also achieve at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination subjects, where applicable.
They must further satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions. JAMB will also subject them to a final assessment by experts.
Benjamin said the process would help the Board distinguish genuinely exceptional candidates from those who simply performed well in the UTME.
He advised candidates who do not meet the requirements not to present their results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to secure admission.
NECO results delay final assessment
JAMB said the assessment of exceptionally performing underage candidates has not yet ended. Benjamin explained that the Board would wait for candidates who are still expecting their National Examinations Council results to submit them for verification.
“The NECO results are yet to be released, and the Board would therefore await their release before proceeding to the final stage of the assessment process,” he said.
He added that JAMB would announce the date for the final assessment after NECO releases the results.
According to him, the Board will consider more than UTME scores before approving exceptional admission. The process will include the required academic checks and other stages of assessment.
JAMB warns against admission agents
The Board urged parents, guardians and candidates to be careful with individuals who claim they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process.
Benjamin said sitting for the UTME and receiving a result do not guarantee admission, especially for candidates who have not reached the prescribed age. He assured the public that JAMB would conduct the exceptional admission process transparently and strictly on merit.
The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s admission system and ensuring that only candidates who meet the established requirements gain admission.
