{
  "id": 5814513,
  "title": "JAMB releases 2026 UTME results for underage candidates, restates strict admission rules",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/jamb-releases-2026-utme-results-for-underage-candidates-restates",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T17:24:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ripples Nigeria",
    "slug": "ripples-nigeria",
    "url": "https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/jamb-releases-2026-utme-results-for-underage-candidates-restates-strict-admission-rules/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results for candidates classified as underage, but has emphasized that these results alone do not guarantee admission into tertiary institutions. Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's Public Communication Adviser, made this announcement in Abuja on Saturday through a statement.\n\nUnderage candidates, defined as those who will not turn 16 by September 30, 2026, were informed about this development. The Board's release of these results aimed to allow candidates, as well as their parents and guardians, to evaluate their performance. However, JAMB warned that merely possessing these results does not qualify candidates for admission unless they meet certain stringent conditions.\n\nCandidates can access their results by sending \"RESULT\" to either 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM card they used during UTME registration. JAMB reiterated that only exceptionally performing underage candidates, meeting predefined criteria, would be considered for admission. The Board cautioned candidates who do not meet these criteria against presenting their UTME results to institutions or individuals in a bid to secure admission.\n\nThe admission process for underage candidates is rigorous, involving several stages of assessment and verification. Candidates must score at least 320 in the UTME and achieve at least 80% in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, if applicable. They also need to meet Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and undergo final assessment by experts.\n\nJAMB's spokesperson explained that this comprehensive process is designed to distinguish genuinely exceptional candidates from those who might have merely scored impressively in the UTME. The current admission process for exceptionally performing underage candidates is still ongoing, with several stages of assessment and verification to be completed. The Board stated that they would await the release of results from the National Examinations Council (NECO) before proceeding to the final stage of assessment.\n\nJAMB emphasized that admission for underage candidates would not be determined solely by UTME scores but through a broader assessment process to ensure that every successful candidate meets all established standards. They warned against dealing with individuals who claim to influence or secure admission outside the official process.\n\nDr Benjamin reiterated that merely sitting for the UTME does not guarantee admission, particularly for candidates who have not reached the prescribed admission age. He assured the public that JAMB would conduct this exceptional admission process transparently, merit-driven, and rigorously, and remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s admission system.",
  "summary": "The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the release of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results for candidates considered underage, while stressing that access to the results does not automatically qualify them for admission into tertiary institutions. The Board disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by its […] The post…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "JAMB releases underage UTME results",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/jamb-releases-underage-utme-results",
        "published": "2026-09-05T10:45:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "JAMB releases underage UTME results",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/jamb-releases-underage-utme-results-5772036",
        "published": "2026-09-05T10:48:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "JAMB releases 2026 UTME results of underage candidates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/jamb-releases-2026-utme-results-of-underage-candidates",
        "published": "2026-09-05T11:18:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "How to check 2026 UTME results for underage candidates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/how-to-check-2026-utme-results-for-underage-candidates",
        "published": "2026-09-05T12:24:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}