The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of candidates below the prescribed age limit for viewing purposes. ​
The announcement was made in an official statement issued at 12:23 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from the JAMB National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Public Communication Adviser and Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol for the Board. ​
According to the Board, an underage candidate for the 2026 academic session is defined as any applicant who will be under 16 years of age by September 30, 2026. JAMB clarified that while the scores are now accessible, obtaining a result does not automatically qualify affected candidates for tertiary institution admissions.
Dr. Benjamin emphasized that the results are released primarily to inform candidates and their parents or guardians of their performance. The scores cannot be presented for standard university admission unless the applicant satisfies the stringent multi-stage criteria established for exceptionally performing underage students. ​
To qualify for exceptional admission consideration, underage candidates must meet the following criteria: A minimum score of 320 out of 400 in the 2026 UTME. At least an 80% score across relevant subjects in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Full compliance with the Post-UTME screening requirements of their institution of choice. An exceptional admission will have a successful evaluation during a final comprehensive assessment conducted by a designated panel of experts. The Board noted that the overall process for exceptionally performing candidates remains ongoing.
JAMB stated it would await the release of the National Examinations Council (NECO) SSCE results so that candidates awaiting those grades can submit them for verification before the expert assessment date is fixed. ​
JAMB warned candidates, parents, and guardians against presenting these results to tertiary institutions outside the approved parameters, cautioning the public to avoid fraudsters claiming to offer admission shortcuts.
