JAMB releases 2026 UTME results for underage candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of candidates who were below the prescribed admission age.

JAMB said the results were released to allow candidates, parents and guardians to know their performance in the examination.

The board defines an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise as anyone who will be below 16 years old by September 30, 2026.

However, JAMB stressed that the release of the results does not automatically make the affected candidates eligible for admission into tertiary institutions.

It said the results cannot be used for admission or other official purposes except by candidates who meet the requirements for exceptional consideration.

Under the exceptional admission arrangement, candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic ability and maturity through a series of assessments and verification exercises.

One of the key requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320, alongside at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination subjects, where applicable. Candidates must also meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions.

JAMB said candidates who satisfy the requirements would undergo further assessment by experts before any admission decision is made.

The board also said the process for considering exceptional underage candidates was still ongoing, including the verification of results for candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results.

JAMB warned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals who may attempt to exploit the process by promising admission outside the approved procedure.

It reiterated that sitting for the UTME and receiving a result does not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the prescribed minimum age.