By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results of candidates who were below the prescribed admission age for viewing.
The board, however, maintained that viewing the results does not automatically qualify the candidates for admission into tertiary institutions.
JAMB, in a statement by Fabian Benjamin, Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, on Saturday, said an underage candidate was any applicant who would be below 16 years by September 30, 2026.
The examination body said the release was intended mainly to enable the candidates, parents, and guardians to know their UTME performance.
It stressed that the results could not be used for admission or any other official purpose except by candidates who meet the conditions for exceptional admission.
The board said only candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and maturity would be considered for admission through several stages of assessment and verification.
Among the requirements is a minimum UTME score of 320 and at least 80 per cent in the relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination subjects, where applicable.
Such candidates must also satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo a final assessment by experts before admission can be considered.
JAMB said the stringent process was designed to separate genuinely exceptional underage candidates from those who simply performed well in the UTME.
It noted that the admission process for exceptional underage candidates was still ongoing, with some stages of assessment and verification yet to be completed.
JAMB said candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council results would also be allowed to present them for verification before the final assessment.
It explained that the NECO results had yet to be released and would therefore be considered before the final assessment.
The examination body warned parents, guardians, and candidates against individuals who might attempt to exploit the process by promising admission for underage candidates outside the approved procedure.
JAMB cautioned candidates who did not meet the requirements against presenting their viewed UTME results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to secure admission.
JAMB reiterated that sitting the UTME and receiving a result did not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who had not attained the prescribed admission age.
The board said the exceptional admission exercise would remain transparent, rigorous, and merit-based
