The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has clarified growing confusion over “No Result Yet” notifications being received by some candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), stating that results of underage candidates are being deliberately withheld in line with existing admission regulations.
JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, explained that the decision follows increased enquiries from parents and stakeholders, noting that candidates below the approved age threshold are not eligible for immediate result release under the board’s current policy framework.
He stated that only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, are qualified to sit for the UTME, adding that underage candidates fall under a special consideration category designed to assess exceptional academic ability.
According to him, such candidates are required to meet a strict performance benchmark, including scoring a minimum of 320 in the UTME and obtaining at least 80 per cent in subsequent screening exercises before they can be considered for admission.
Benjamin further disclosed that only underage candidates who meet the required score threshold will proceed to the next stage of evaluation, which includes additional screening processes aimed at verifying their academic readiness.
He added that the temporary withholding of results is intentional and procedural, stressing that it is part of efforts to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system and ensure that standards are not compromised.
He urged parents and candidates to remain patient, noting that the board is committed to transparency while enforcing rules designed to balance exceptional talent recognition with academic maturity requirements.
JAMB maintained that until the screening process is concluded, the results of all underage candidates will remain unreleased.
