The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of candidates who are below the prescribed minimum admission age of 16.
Gatekeepers News reports that the board said an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise is anyone who will be below 16 years old as of September 30, 2026.
JAMB, however, clarified that the release of the results is only to allow candidates and their parents or guardians to know their performance. It does not automatically make the candidates eligible for admission.
According to the board, only exceptionally performing underage candidates who satisfy its prescribed conditions will be considered for admission. One of the requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320, alongside at least 80 percent in relevant SSCE subjects, where applicable. Candidates must also meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts.
JAMB said the exceptional admission process is still ongoing because some candidates are awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results. The board said it would announce the date for the final assessment after the release and verification of the NECO results.
Candidates can check their results by sending “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number they used to register for the UTME.
The board warned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals who claim they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process. It stressed that merely sitting for the UTME or receiving a result does not guarantee admission.
JAMB also reiterated that the underage admission process would remain rigorous and merit-based to ensure that only candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and maturity are admitted.
