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 underage candidates for viewing.

The Board stated that the release is in line with its established policy regarding the participation of candidates who are below the prescribed minimum admission age.

Who Is Considered an Underage Candidate?

For the 2026 admission exercise, JAMB defines an underage candidate as any candidate who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026.

However, JAMB clarified that the release of an underage candidate’s UTME result does not automatically make the candidate eligible for admission into a tertiary institution.

Admission remains subject to the conditions and requirements established by JAMB and other relevant regulatory authorities.

How to Check JAMB Underage UTME Result

Underage candidates who participated in the 2026 UTME can check their results through SMS.

To check the result:

1. Open the SMS application on the phone used to register for the UTME.
2. Type RESULT.
3. Send the message to 55019 or 66019.
4. Wait for the response containing the candidate’s result.

The result has primarily been released to allow candidates, parents and guardians to know how the candidates performed in the examination.

Underage UTME Result Does Not Guarantee Admission

JAMB warned that simply obtaining or viewing an underage candidate’s UTME result does not confer admission eligibility.

The Board stated that results released to underage candidates cannot be used for admission or other official purposes, except for candidates who meet the strict conditions established for exceptional consideration.

Candidates who do not meet the requirements for exceptional consideration have therefore been advised not to present their results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to secure admission.

JAMB Exceptional Admission for Underage Candidates

JAMB had previously established a special admission process for exceptionally performing underage candidates.

According to the Board, the process is rigorous and involves several stages of assessment designed to determine whether a candidate possesses the academic ability and maturity required for exceptional admission consideration.

One of the major requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320.

Candidates must also obtain a minimum of 80 per cent in the relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, where applicable.

In addition, candidates must:

• Meet the relevant Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institution.
• Participate in the prescribed final assessment.
• Demonstrate the required level of academic ability and maturity.
• Satisfy the other conditions established by JAMB and the relevant institution.

Exceptional Underage Admission Process Is Still Ongoing

JAMB has clarified that the admission process for exceptionally performing underage candidates has not been concluded.

The Board explained that all required stages of assessment and verification must be completed before a final decision can be made.

JAMB also noted that it would be unreasonable to conclude the process without giving candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results the opportunity to present their results for verification.

Since the NECO results have not yet been released, JAMB will await their release before proceeding to the final stage of assessment.

Final Assessment Date to Be Announced After NECO Results

According to JAMB, once the 2026 NECO results are released, the Board will announce a date for the final assessment of candidates being considered under the exceptional underage admission process.

This means candidates who have performed exceptionally well in the UTME but are still awaiting their NECO results should remain patient and continue to monitor official JAMB announcements.

JAMB Warns Parents and Candidates Against Admission Fraud

The Board has also warned parents, guardians and candidates to be cautious of individuals claiming to have the ability to secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process.

JAMB stressed that the exceptional admission process is merit-based and subject to rigorous assessment and verification.

Parents and candidates are therefore advised not to pay money to agents or individuals promising guaranteed admission for underage candidates.

Important Notice to Underage Candidates

Candidates should understand that:

• Participating in the 2026 UTME does not automatically guarantee admission.
• Having a UTME result does not automatically make an underage candidate eligible for admission.
• Only candidates who satisfy the prescribed conditions may be considered for exceptional admission.
• A minimum UTME score of 320 is one of the stated requirements.
• A minimum of 80% in relevant SSCE subjects, where applicable, is also required.
• The final assessment process is still ongoing.
• Candidates awaiting NECO results should wait for the official announcement after the results are released.

The release of the 2026 JAMB UTME results for underage candidates allows candidates and their parents or guardians to assess their performance while the exceptional admission process continues.

JAMB has reiterated that only candidates who genuinely satisfy all the prescribed requirements will be considered for admission.

The Board will proceed with the final assessment after the release and verification of the relevant NECO results and will announce further details through its official channels.

Candidates, parents and guardians are advised to rely only on official JAMB information and avoid individuals promising admission outside the approved process.