JAMB has released the 2026 UTME results of underage candidates, those who will be below 16 years old as of September 30, 2026, after withholding them since April. Candidates can check their score by sending RESULT to 55019 or 66019 from the same phone number used during registration.
Key Highlights
- What happened: JAMB released 2026 UTME results for underage candidates on Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Who qualifies as “underage”: Any candidate who will be below 16 years old as of September 30, 2026
- How to check: Send RESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the SIM used for UTME registration
- Does this mean admission? No — the result is for viewing only and does not confer admission eligibility
- Number affected: Over 38,000 underage candidates registered for the 2026 UTME
- Exceptional admission cut-off: Minimum UTME score of 320, plus at least 80% in relevant WAEC/NECO subjects
- Next step: JAMB will announce a date for final assessment once NECO results are released
- Source: Official JAMB statement by Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin (September 5, 2026)
Why JAMB Withheld These Results
Since JAMB began releasing 2026 UTME results in April, candidates below the age threshold who tried to check their scores got a “No Result Yet” message. According to the board’s statement, this was a deliberate policy decision, since only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30 are ordinarily eligible to register for and sit the UTME.
JAMB confirmed more than 38,000 candidates registered under this special underage category for 2026, compared with 41,027 in the 2025 UTME cycle.
What the Released Results Mean — and What They Don’t
JAMB was explicit that this release is not the same as admission clearance. The results were made available mainly so candidates, parents, and guardians can see how the candidate performed. Benjamin stated that these scores cannot be used for admission or any other official purpose, except for candidates who go on to meet the board’s separate conditions for exceptional admission.
JAMB also warned parents and guardians to be cautious of anyone offering to help an underage candidate secure admission outside the board’s approved process, and cautioned candidates who don’t meet the requirements against presenting their viewed results to institutions in an attempt to gain admission.
How to Check Your Underage UTME Result
- Use the same phone number and SIM card you registered with for the 2026 UTME.
- Compose a new text message.
- Type RESULT and send it to 55019 or 66019.
- Wait for JAMB’s reply SMS containing your score.
There is no separate portal login required for this step, it works the same way as JAMB’s regular SMS result-checking service.
The Path to “Exceptional” Admission for Underage Candidates
JAMB allows a narrow exception for candidates who are below the admission age but show exceptional ability. Based on the board’s statement, candidates being considered under this route generally need to meet several conditions:
| Requirement | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Minimum UTME score | 320 out of 400 |
| Minimum SSCE performance | 80% in relevant subjects (WAEC/NECO) |
| Further assessment | Additional evaluation stages after NECO results are released |
JAMB said the ongoing process is a full assessment, not a decision based on UTME performance alone, and that only candidates who genuinely satisfy every prescribed requirement will be considered. The board is waiting for NECO results before fixing a date for the next stage of this assessment.
Update Log
- September 6, 2026: Article published following JAMB’s official statement confirming the release of 2026 underage UTME results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my 2026 JAMB underage result?
Send RESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number and SIM card you used to register for the 2026 UTME.
Who counts as an underage candidate for the 2026 UTME?
JAMB defines an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise as anyone who will be below 16 years old as of September 30, 2026.
Does seeing my result mean I can get admission?
No. JAMB has stated clearly that the released results are for viewing only and do not confer eligibility for admission, except for candidates who separately meet the exceptional admission conditions.
What score do I need for exceptional admission as an underage candidate?
Based on JAMB’s current requirements, candidates need a minimum UTME score of 320 and at least 80% in relevant SSCE subjects, followed by further assessment stages.
When will JAMB decide on exceptional admissions for underage candidates?
JAMB says it will announce a date for the final assessment stage once NECO results are released. No date has been fixed yet as of this writing.
How many underage candidates registered for the 2026 UTME?
Over 38,000 candidates registered under the underage category for the 2026 UTME, down from 41,027 in the 2025 cycle.
Also on CampusNinja
- How to Check Your JAMB Result 2026 (Online, SMS & USSD)
- JAMB CAPS 2026: How to Check Admission Status, Accept or Reject Your Offer
Final Thoughts
JAMB’s release of 2026 underage UTME results gives affected candidates and their parents a first look at performance, but it is not an admission outcome. Anyone hoping to proceed under the exceptional admission route should keep an eye on official JAMB channels for the next assessment date, since that decision won’t happen automatically from the UTME score alone.
Source: Official JAMB statement by Dr Fabian Benjamin, Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, issued September 5, 2026.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Admission policies can change without notice. Always verify current requirements on JAMB’s official portal (jamb.gov.ng) or through official JAMB announcements before taking any action based on this information. CampusNinja is not affiliated with JAMB.