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.
However, the board clarified that accessing the results does not automatically qualify the candidates for admission into tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB defined an underage candidate as anyone who would be below 16 years of age by September 30, 2026.
The board said the release was primarily to enable the candidates, parents and guardians to know their UTME performance.
JAMB stressed that the results could not be used for admission or any other official purpose, except for candidates who meet the requirements for exceptional admission.
Under the exceptional admission process, candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic ability and maturity.
JAMB said such candidates must obtain a minimum UTME score of 320 and at least 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 and undergo further assessment and verification by experts before they can be considered for admission.
According to the board, the stringent process is designed to distinguish genuinely exceptional underage candidates from those who simply performed well in the UTME.
JAMB said the assessment process was still ongoing, with candidates awaiting their National Examinations Council results allowed to present them for verification once released.
The board explained that it would be inappropriate to conclude the assessment process before candidates awaiting NECO results had the opportunity to submit them.
JAMB also warned parents, guardians and candidates against individuals who may attempt to exploit the process by promising admission to underage candidates outside the approved procedure.
It cautioned candidates who do not meet the requirements against presenting their UTME results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to secure admission.
The board reiterated that sitting for the UTME and obtaining a result does not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not attained the prescribed admission age.
JAMB said the exceptional admission process would remain transparent, rigorous and merit based.
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