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• Awaits NECO results for final assessment
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of all underage candidates who participated in the exercise for viewing.
JAMB, however, stressed that the release does not automatically qualify them for admission into tertiary institutions, and also warned parents and guardians to be wary of individuals claiming to have the capacity to secure admission for underage candidates outside the officially prescribed process.
The Board stressed that participation in the UTME and the release of a candidate’s result does not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who had not attained the prescribed admission age. The Board, in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Fabian Benjamin, explained that an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise is any candidate who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026.
JAMB said the results were released primarily to enable underage candidates, their parents and guardians to know their performance in the examination.
It, however, informed that the results could not be used for admission or any other official purpose, except by candidates who satisfy the stringent conditions prescribed for exceptionally performing underage candidates.
JAMB said candidates wishing to check their results are required to send RESULT to 55019 or 66019, using the same SIM card with which they registered for the UTME.
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According to the Board, only underage candidates who demonstrated exceptional academic ability and maturity will be considered for admission.
Among the requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320, as well as at least 80 per cent in relevant subjects in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), where applicable. “Such candidates must also satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts as prescribed by the Board,” it said. JAMB said the rigorous process was designed to distinguish candidates who are genuinely exceptional from those who may have simply performed well in the UTME.
The Board further disclosed that the admission process for exceptionally performing underage candidates was still ongoing, noting that all stages of assessment and verification had not been concluded. It explained that the process could not be concluded until candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results were given the opportunity to present their results for verification. “The NECO results are yet to be released, and the Board would therefore await their release before proceeding to the final stage of the assessment process.
“The Board would announce a date for the final assessment as soon as the NECO results were released.”
JAMB thus cautioned underage candidates who do not meet the requirements for exceptional consideration against presenting their UTME results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to secure admission.
JAMB assured the public that the exceptional admission process would remain transparent, rigorous and merit-based, in line with its commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s tertiary admission system.
