JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Results Of Underage Candidates, Sets 320 Minimum Score For Exceptional Admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of all underage candidates for viewing, but says only exceptionally performing candidates who meet its stringent requirements will be considered for admission.
JAMB, in a statement by its Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise is anyone who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026.
The Board stressed that the release of the results does not automatically make such candidates eligible for admission into tertiary institutions.
Underage candidates can check their results by sending RESULT to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number or SIM card used to register for the UTME.
The Board said the results were released mainly to enable candidates, parents and guardians to know their performance, warning that the results cannot be used for admission or any other official purpose except by candidates who satisfy the conditions for exceptional consideration.
According to JAMB, underage candidates seeking exceptional admission must obtain a minimum UTME score of 320, alongside at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, where applicable. They must also meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts.
The Board explained that the rigorous process is designed to distinguish genuinely exceptional underage candidates from those who simply performed well in the UTME.
JAMB added that the assessment process is still ongoing, as candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results must be allowed to present them for verification. It said the date for the final assessment would be announced after the release of the NECO results.
The Board warned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals claiming to be able to secure admission for underage candidates outside the approved process, stressing that sitting for the UTME and obtaining a result does not guarantee admission.
JAMB assured the public that the exceptional admission process would remain transparent, rigorous and merit based to protect the integrity of the tertiary admission system.
