The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of candidates below the prescribed admission age.
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The Board said the results were made available mainly to allow underage candidates, their parents and guardians to know how they performed in the examination. However, it warned that receiving a result does not automatically make an underage candidate eligible for admission.
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JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
According to the Board, a candidate is regarded as underage for the 2026 admission exercise if the candidate will be below 16 years old as of September 30, 2026.
JAMB explained that the results of underage candidates could not ordinarily be used to secure admission or for other official purposes. The exception applies only to candidates who meet the conditions set for exceptionally performing underage candidates.
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.
The Board said it had introduced a strict assessment process to ensure that only underage candidates with outstanding academic ability and sufficient maturity are considered for admission.
One of the major requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320. Candidates must also obtain at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination subjects, where applicable.
Those who meet the required UTME and SSCE standards must still satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and take part in a final assessment conducted by experts.
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JAMB said the process was designed to separate candidates who are genuinely exceptional from those who simply achieved good scores in the UTME.
The Board added that the assessment of exceptionally performing underage candidates was still in progress. It said the process could not be concluded yet because some candidates were still awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results.
JAMB said it would wait for the release of the NECO results before moving to the final stage of the assessment.
Once the NECO results are released, the Board will announce a date for the final assessment of candidates who qualify for exceptional consideration.
The Board stressed that the admission process would not be based solely on UTME scores. Candidates would be subjected to a wider assessment and verification to confirm that they meet all the conditions for underage admission.
JAMB also warned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals who claim they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process.
The Board advised candidates who do not meet the requirements not to submit their UTME results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to obtain admission.
JAMB reiterated that sitting for the UTME and receiving a result do not guarantee admission, especially for candidates who have not reached the prescribed admission age.
The Board said it would continue to apply a transparent and merit-based process in handling exceptional cases while protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary institution admission system.
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