JAMB releases 2026 UTME results for underage candidates, sets tough conditions for admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of underage candidates for viewing, while warning that the results do not automatically qualify them for admission.

JAMB announced the development on Saturday, September 5, explaining that the release would allow affected candidates, their parents and guardians to see their performance in the examination.

According to the examination body, an underage candidate is an applicant who will still be below 16 years old by September 30, 2026.

JAMB sets conditions for exceptional underage candidates

Despite releasing the results, JAMB maintained that only underage candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and maturity could be considered for admission.

Among the requirements, affected candidates must score at least 320 in the UTME and obtain a minimum of 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination subjects, where applicable.

They must also meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts before they can be considered for admission.

JAMB explained that the strict process is intended to distinguish genuinely exceptional candidates from underage applicants who merely performed well in the UTME.

JAMB reveals next step for underage admission process

The board disclosed that the assessment process is still ongoing, particularly for candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results.

JAMB said, “As soon as the NECO results are released, the Board will fix and announce a date for the final stage of the assessment of the exceptionally performing underage candidates.”

The examination body also cautioned parents and candidates against individuals promising to secure admission outside the approved process, stressing that receiving a UTME result does not guarantee admission.