The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results for underage candidates who participated in this year's examination.
According to the Board, the release of the results is in line with its policy on the participation of candidates who are below the prescribed minimum admission age. However, JAMB emphasized that the release of these results does not automatically qualify any underage candidate for admission into a tertiary institution.
Who Is an Underage Candidate?
For the 2026 admission exercise, JAMB considers any candidate who will be below 16 years of age as of September 30, 2026, as an underage candidate.
The Board stressed that although such candidates can view their UTME results, the results cannot be used for admission purposes, except for candidates who qualify under JAMB's exceptional admission policy.
How to Check 2026 Underage UTME Results
Underage candidates can check their UTME results using the phone number used during JAMB registration.
Follow the steps below:
- Open the SMS application on your registered phone number.
- Type RESULT.
- Send the message to 55019 or 66019.
- Wait for the SMS containing your UTME result.
JAMB explained that the release of the results is mainly to enable candidates, parents, and guardians to know the candidates' performance in the examination.
UTME Result Does Not Automatically Qualify Candidates for Admission
JAMB reiterated that obtaining a UTME result does not automatically make an underage candidate eligible for admission.
According to the Board, candidates who do not qualify under the exceptional admission policy must not use their results to seek admission into any tertiary institution.
Only candidates who satisfy all the conditions laid down by JAMB may be considered for exceptional admission.
Requirements for Exceptional Underage Admission
JAMB stated that exceptionally gifted underage candidates may still be considered for admission, provided they successfully complete the Board's rigorous assessment process.
To qualify, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Score at least 320 in the 2026 UTME.
- Obtain a minimum of 80% in the relevant SSCE subjects, where applicable.
- Meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institution.
- Participate in the prescribed final assessment.
- Demonstrate the required academic ability and maturity.
- Satisfy every other condition specified by JAMB and the admitting institution.
Exceptional Admission Process Still Ongoing
JAMB clarified that the admission process for exceptionally performing underage candidates has not yet been concluded.
The Board explained that it is still awaiting the release of the 2026 NECO examination results, which are required for the verification process.
According to JAMB, it would be unfair to conclude the admission process without allowing candidates awaiting their NECO results the opportunity to submit them for assessment.
Final Assessment to Hold After NECO Results
The Board disclosed that once the 2026 NECO results are released, it will announce the date for the final assessment of candidates seeking admission under the exceptional underage admission policy.
Candidates awaiting their NECO results have therefore been advised to remain patient and continue monitoring official JAMB announcements.
JAMB Warns Against Admission Fraud
JAMB has also cautioned parents, guardians, and candidates against fraudsters claiming they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the approved process.
The Board stressed that the exceptional admission exercise is strictly merit-based and subject to comprehensive screening and verification.
Parents and candidates are therefore advised not to pay money to any individual or agent promising guaranteed admission.
Important Information for Underage Candidates
Candidates should note the following:
- Participation in the 2026 UTME does not automatically guarantee admission.
- Having a UTME result does not automatically qualify an underage candidate for admission.
- Only candidates who satisfy JAMB's exceptional admission requirements may be considered.
- A minimum UTME score of 320 is one of the requirements.
- Candidates must also obtain at least 80% in relevant SSCE subjects, where applicable.
- The exceptional admission process is still ongoing.
- Candidates awaiting NECO results should wait for JAMB's official announcement regarding the final assessment.
Conclusion
The release of the 2026 UTME results for underage candidates enables candidates and their parents or guardians to assess their performance while the exceptional admission process continues.
JAMB has reiterated that admission will only be granted to candidates who successfully meet all prescribed conditions under the exceptional admission policy. The Board will announce the next stage of the process after the release and verification of the 2026 NECO results.
Candidates and parents are advised to rely only on official JAMB communications and avoid individuals or groups promising admission outside the approved procedure.