The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results of candidates who were below the minimum admission age at the time of the examination.
The board said the results are now available for the affected candidates, parents and guardians to view and assess their performance. However, JAMB stressed that obtaining a UTME score does not automatically make an underage candidate eligible for admission.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB defined an underage candidate as anyone who will not have reached 16 years of age by September 30, 2026.
According to the examination body, the release of the results is primarily intended to give these candidates access to their scores while the separate process for considering exceptionally gifted candidates continues.
JAMB explained that only underage candidates who meet strict academic and maturity requirements may be considered for exceptional admission.
To qualify for further assessment, 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.
Candidates who satisfy these conditions will undergo additional screening and verification before any admission decision is made.
The board said the process is designed to ensure that strong UTME performance alone is not treated as sufficient evidence for admitting candidates below the prescribed age.
JAMB also disclosed that the assessment process is still ongoing, particularly for candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council results. Such candidates will be allowed to submit their NECO results once released for verification.
The examination body said a date for the final assessment of exceptional underage candidates would be announced after the NECO results become available.
JAMB further warned parents, guardians and candidates to be cautious of individuals offering to secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process.
It advised candidates who do not meet the requirements for exceptional admission not to use their UTME results to seek admission through unofficial means.
The board reiterated that sitting for the UTME and receiving a result does not guarantee admission, especially for candidates who have not reached the statutory admission age.
JAMB said the exceptional admission process would be conducted through a rigorous and merit-based assessment.
