The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of underage candidates, but clarified that the release does not automatically qualify them for admission into tertiary institutions.
JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
According to the Board, candidates considered underage for the 2026 admission exercise are those who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026.
Benjamin explained that the results were released mainly to enable affected candidates, their parents and guardians to assess their performance in the examination.
However, he stressed that the results cannot be used for admission or any other official purpose unless the candidate meets JAMB’s requirements for exceptional consideration.
How to check underage UTME resultsJAMB advised affected candidates to check their results by sending “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM card used during UTME registration.
The Board reiterated that only exceptionally performing underage candidates who meet all prescribed conditions would be considered for admission.
One of the key requirements, according to Benjamin, is a minimum UTME score of 320, in addition to at least 80 per cent performance in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination subjects where applicable.
Candidates must also meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by designated experts.
JAMB awaits NECO resultsBenjamin said the exceptional admission process remains ongoing and cannot be concluded until candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results are able to submit them for verification.
He said JAMB would announce the date for the final stage of assessment once the NECO results are released.
The JAMB spokesman warned parents, guardians and candidates against dealing with individuals who claim they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the approved process.
He maintained that sitting for the UTME or receiving an examination result does not automatically guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the prescribed admission age.
Benjamin assured Nigerians that the admission process for exceptionally performing underage candidates would remain transparent, rigorous and strictly based on merit.
The Board, he added, remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process and ensuring that only qualified candidates are admitted.
