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

JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

Benjamin explained that candidates who will be below 16 years of age by September 30, 2026, are classified as underage candidates for the 2026 admission exercise.

He said the results were released primarily to enable candidates, parents and guardians to know their performance in the examination.

However, the spokesperson warned that the results cannot be used to secure admission or for any other official purpose unless the candidate satisfies JAMB’s stringent conditions for exceptional admission.

According to him, only underage candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and maturity will be considered for admission.

Benjamin disclosed that one of the major requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320, alongside at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, where applicable.

Candidates must also meet the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts.

He said the rigorous process was designed to separate genuinely exceptional underage candidates from those who merely performed well in the UTME.

“Such candidates are also required to meet the relevant Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo the prescribed final assessment by experts,” Benjamin said.

Underage candidates can check their UTME results by sending “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM card they used during registration.

Benjamin advised candidates who do not meet the requirements for exceptional consideration not to present their UTME results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to obtain admission.

He noted that the assessment process for exceptionally performing underage candidates was still ongoing, as all stages of verification had not yet been concluded.

According to him, JAMB would have to wait for the release of the National Examinations Council (NECO) results before completing the final stage of the assessment.

“The NECO results are yet to be released, and the Board would therefore await their release before proceeding to the final stage of the assessment process,” he said.

He added that JAMB would announce a date for the final assessment as soon as the NECO results are released.

Benjamin emphasised that exceptional admission would not be determined solely by UTME scores, but through a comprehensive assessment of candidates’ academic performance, maturity and ability.

He also warned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals claiming they could secure admission for underage candidates outside the approved JAMB process.

He reiterated that sitting for the UTME and receiving a result does not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the prescribed admission age.

Benjamin assured the public that the exceptional admission process would remain transparent, rigorous and merit-based, stressing that only candidates who meet all established requirements would be admitted.