Jelili Gbadamosi
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of underage candidates, warning that the release of the scores does not automatically make them eligible for admission.
JAMB said only candidates who meet its strict conditions for exceptional admission would be considered for placement into tertiary institutions.
The Board made this known in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by its Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin explained that an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise is anyone who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026.
According to him, the results were released mainly to allow candidates, parents and guardians to know their performance in the examination.
He stressed that the results could not be used for admission or any other official purpose except by candidates who successfully meet the requirements for exceptional consideration.
To check their results, candidates are required to send “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM card used during UTME registration.
Benjamin said JAMB’s exceptional admission process was designed to ensure that only candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and sufficient maturity are considered.
He disclosed that one of the requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320, as well as at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, where applicable.
Candidates must also satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment conducted by experts.
The JAMB spokesperson said the process was still ongoing, noting that the Board would not conclude the assessment until candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results had the opportunity to present them for verification.
He said the NECO results were yet to be released and that JAMB would announce the date for the final stage of the assessment after the results became available.
Benjamin cautioned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals claiming to be able to secure admission for underage candidates outside JAMB’s approved process.
He reiterated that sitting for the UTME and obtaining a result did not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who had not attained the prescribed admission age.
JAMB assured the public that the exceptional admission process would remain transparent, rigorous and merit-based, stressing its commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.
