UTME Twist: JAMB Drops Underage Results But Bars Them From Instant Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made the 2026 UTME results for underage candidates accessible for viewing. Speaking from Abuja, JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, clarified that simply seeing these scores does not automatically grant admission eligibility. For this cycle, anyone under 16 by September 30, 2026, is classified as underage

The primary purpose of releasing the scores is simply to satisfy curiosity, allowing students and their families to gauge their performance. These results cannot currently be deployed for official admissions or other procedures unless the candidate qualifies under strict exceptions. To check their standing, candidates can text “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 via the registration SIM.

JAMB maintains that only truly exceptional underage candidates will be considered, warning others against presenting their results to institutions prematurely. The rigorous vetting process requires a minimum UTME score of 320, alongside at least 80% marks in relevant SSCE subjects. Additionally, these candidates must scale institutional Post-UTME hurdles and expert-led final evaluations meant to verify true academic brilliance and maturity.

Because the comprehensive assessment is still underway, final stages are temporarily on hold. JAMB is currently waiting on the pending release of the NECO results so that candidates awaiting those grades can submit them for verification. Once NECO results drop, JAMB will announce dates for the remaining evaluations.

Ultimately, admission for underage applicants relies on a comprehensive merit-based evaluation rather than just a high test score. The Board strongly cautioned the public against fraudsters claiming they can bypass official protocols to secure placement, reassuring everyone that the integrity of the process remains strictly protected.