JAMB Releases Underage UTME Results, Clarifies Admission Conditions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results of underage candidates for viewing, but clarified that the release does not automatically make them eligible for admission.

JAMB Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the results were released mainly to allow candidates and their parents or guardians to know their performance. However, the results cannot be used for admission or other official purposes except by candidates who satisfy the requirements for exceptional consideration.

For the 2026 admission exercise, JAMB defines an underage candidate as anyone who will be below 16 years old by September 30, 2026. Such candidates may only be considered for admission under the exceptional category if they demonstrate outstanding academic ability and meet all prescribed conditions.

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.

In addition, exceptional underage candidates must satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment conducted by experts.

JAMB said the process is deliberately rigorous and designed to distinguish genuinely exceptional candidates from those who simply achieve high scores in the UTME.

The board explained that the admission assessment is still ongoing because some candidates are awaiting their National Examinations Council results. JAMB said it would be unreasonable to conclude the process before candidates waiting for their NECO results have an opportunity to present them for verification.

The final stage of the assessment will therefore be scheduled after the release of the NECO results.

JAMB also warned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals claiming they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the approved process.

The board stressed that writing the UTME and receiving a result do not, by themselves, guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the prescribed admission age.

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

JAMB urged members of the public to exercise caution and rely on the official admission process nationwide.