The 2026 JAMB National Policy Meeting in Abuja wasn't just about rules and cut-off marks; it was a celebration of pure academic brilliance. During the Tertiary Education Awards, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, unveiled the "crème de la crème" of this year’s examination—the top scorers who defied the odds to record near-perfect marks.
From Ekiti to the rest of the nation, these students have proven that despite the record-breaking number of 2.2 million applicants, excellence still has a name.
I. The 2026 UTME "Wall of Fame"
This year, the competition was fierce, with the top spot being decided by just a few points. Here are the candidates who led the nation:
| Rank | Name | State of Origin | Score | Course of Choice | Preferred Institution |
| 1st | Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin | Ekiti | 372 | Medicine & Surgery | UNILAG |
| 2nd | Enwere Kingsley Ikenna | Imo | 370 | Computer Science | NILE |
| 3rd | Bamlsile Ayomide Emmanuel | Ondo | 369 | Software Engineering | FUTA |
| 4th | (Multiple Candidates) | — | 368 | — | — |
| 5th | (Multiple Candidates) | — | 367 | — | — |
II. Where are the Brains Going?
The 2026 data shows a massive shift in student interest. While Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) remains the "holy grail" for top scorers like Daniella Owoeye, there is a booming interest in the digital economy and future tech.
The Most Popular Courses for Top Scorers:
- Medicine & Surgery (Still #1)
- Software Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering
The "High-Value" Institutions:
The top-performing candidates didn't just pick any school; they flocked toward institutions known for high research output and technical discipline:
- Federal: UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN, UNIPORT, and FUTA.
- Private: Covenant University and Pan-Atlantic University.
III. Breaking Down the Performance
The emergence of a 372 score highlights the increasing level of competitiveness in the UTME. With 2.2 million candidates sitting for the exam, scoring in the 360s puts these students in the top 0.001% of the nation.
Why are scores getting higher?
- CBT Familiarity: Students are now more comfortable with the Computer-Based Test environment.
- Digital Prep: The rise of AI-powered study apps and online mock exams has made high-quality prep materials more accessible.
- The "LASU" Effect: With universities like LASU becoming more sought-after, students know they need "beast-mode" scores to secure admission into top-tier programmes.
IV. Summary of the 2026 Elite Bracket
| Category | Stat |
| Highest Score | 372 (Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin) |
| Dominant Faculty | Medical Sciences & Engineering |
| Top State | Ekiti (Produced the National Topper) |
| Total Top Bracket (360+) | Exceptional/Rare |
A Final Word for Aspiring Students
Daniella and her peers have set a new benchmark for the 2026/2027 session. Their success proves that with the right focus, hitting the 300+ mark is possible. However, remember that JAMB still maintains the 16-year age rule—these top scorers must be 16 by September 30th to see their names on the CAPS admission list!