Education
JAMB Announces First Batch of 2026 UTME Results, Arrests Suspects Over Score Tampering
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has begun releasing results for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with over 632,000 candidates now able to access their scores as the nationwide exercise continues.
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the board confirmed that 632,788 results from the April 16 examination have been processed and made available. Candidates were instructed to check their results via SMS by sending “UTMERESULT” to designated shortcodes using the phone number registered for the exam.
The UTME, which is Nigeria’s primary gateway into tertiary institutions, is one of the largest coordinated examinations in Africa, involving millions of candidates annually. The phased release of results, according to JAMB, reflects ongoing marking and verification processes designed to ensure accuracy and integrity.
However, the board raised fresh concerns over attempts by some individuals to manipulate result notifications. It warned candidates and parents against altering official SMS messages to falsely inflate scores, describing such actions as criminal.
JAMB disclosed that enforcement measures are already underway, with two candidates and one parent reportedly in custody for alleged involvement in digital result falsification using advanced technologies. The board emphasised that it maintains a zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice, particularly in an era where technology is increasingly being exploited for fraudulent purposes.
The development highlights the growing challenge of maintaining examination credibility amid evolving digital manipulation tactics. In recent years, JAMB has introduced biometric verification, real-time monitoring systems, and stricter centre accreditation processes to curb malpractice and enhance transparency.
Despite these safeguards, the board acknowledged that vigilance remains critical, urging candidates to rely only on official communication channels for their results.
JAMB also clarified that while candidates can currently view their scores, official result slips for printing will be made available at a later stage.
With the 2026 UTME still in progress, the board assured the public that additional results would be released in batches as marking and validation continue across examination centres nationwide.
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