The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of underage candidates for viewing.
The development was announced by JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Fabian Benjamin, as part of the Board’s policy on the participation of candidates below the prescribed admission age.
JAMB defines an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise as a candidate who will be below 16 years of age by September 30, 2026.
However, the Board stressed that the release of the results for viewing does not automatically make the affected candidates eligible for admission into tertiary institutions.
According to JAMB, the results are primarily being made available so candidates, parents and guardians can ascertain their performance in the examination.
JAMB explained that underage candidates can only be considered for admission under its exceptional consideration process, which involves several stages of assessment and verification.
One of the major requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320, alongside achieving 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 by designated experts.
JAMB said the process is rigorous and designed to identify candidates who demonstrate genuinely exceptional academic ability.
The Board said the exceptional admission process is still ongoing because all stages of assessment have not been completed.
JAMB explained that it would be inappropriate to conclude the process without allowing candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results to submit them for verification.
The Board said it would therefore await the release of the NECO results before proceeding to the final stage of assessment.
A date for the final assessment of exceptionally performing underage candidates will be announced once the NECO results are released.
The Board warned candidates, parents and guardians against presenting their UTME results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to secure admission when they do not meet the requirements for exceptional consideration.
JAMB also cautioned the public against individuals claiming they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the approved process.
The Board reiterated that sitting for the UTME or obtaining a result does not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the prescribed admission age.
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