JAMB reveals condition to release underage candidates’ results

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed why some candidates are receiving “No Result Yet” notifications in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), saying the results of underage candidates are being deliberately withheld.

JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin said the development followed a surge in enquiries from parents and guardians over the status of candidates’ results.

He reiterated that only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, are eligible to sit the UTME under the board’s standard admission policy.

Candidates below that age threshold can only be considered under JAMB’s exceptional candidate provision, which is reserved for those with outstanding academic ability.

To qualify, such candidates must score at least 320 in the UTME and obtain a minimum of 80 per cent in subsequent screening exercises.

Benjamin said only underage candidates who meet the 320 score benchmark will be shortlisted for further assessment, in line with agreements previously reached with their parents.

Until that process is concluded, the board said the results of underage candidates will remain withheld as it continues to enforce admission standards and safeguard the integrity of the examination system.