JAMB Releases Underage UTME Results, Pegs Admission Benchmark At 320

. Clarifies admission conditions, gives explanation on how to check results

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) results of underage candidates for viewing, but said the release does not amount to automatic admission.

In a statement signed by the Ag. Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board said an underage candidate for the 2026 admission cycle is anyone who will be less than 16 years old as at September 30, 2026.

According to JAMB, the results were released primarily to enable candidates and their parents or guardians to know how they performed.

The results, it added, cannot be used for admission or any official purpose except for candidates who meet the requirements for “exceptionally performing underage candidates.”

JAMB noted that to check the result, candidates are to send RESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used for UTME registration.

JAMB said it had earlier resolved that only exceptionally performing underage candidates who satisfy strict conditions would be considered for admission.

The process, it noted, is ongoing and has not been concluded.

The Board listed the minimum requirements as a UTME score of 320 and at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination(SSCE) subjects where applicable.

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It noted that such candidates must also meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts.

JAMB explained that the rigorous, multi-stage process is designed to separate genuinely exceptional underage candidates from those who only performed well in UTME.

The Board added that it is waiting for the release of National Examinations Council, NECO, results before proceeding to the final stage.

This, it said, is to allow candidates awaiting NECO to present their results for verification. A date for the final assessment will be announced once NECO results are out.

JAMB warned parents, guardians and candidates against patronising individuals who claim they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the prescribed process.

It reiterated that participation in UTME and the release of a result do not guarantee admission, especially for candidates below the prescribed age.

The Board assured that the process for exceptional underage admission will remain transparent, rigorous and merit-based.

NOP NIGERIA