The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed as fake a viral result slip circulating on social media claiming that a candidate from Cross River State scored 394 out of 400 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The result, which spread widely on X (formerly Twitter), was shared by a user identified as @Onsogbu. The post claimed that a female candidate, Okon Winniefred Sampson, achieved exceptionally high scores across all subjects, sparking reactions and praise from many online users before it was later questioned.
According to the viral post, the candidate allegedly scored 96 in Use of English, 99 in Biology, 98 in Chemistry, and 99 in Physics, making a total of 394 out of 400. The post described the performance as “remarkable” and “truly exceptional,” and quickly attracted attention from users who congratulated the supposed candidate.
“Okon Winnifred Sampson, a young girl from Cross River State, delivered a remarkable performance in her UTME examinations, scoring an outstanding 394 out of 400,” the post read.
However, the examination body has now confirmed that the result is fake and did not originate from its official system.
In a statement issued on Sunday, JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, described the document as fraudulent and urged the public to disregard it completely.
“A purported result slip currently being circulated, claiming that a candidate scored 394 in the 2026 UTME, is entirely fake. It is surprising that such a fabrication is being shared by otherwise well-informed Nigerians,” the statement said.
The board explained that the circulating result does not match its official format and contains several errors that clearly show it was not issued by JAMB. According to the statement, UTME results are strictly view-only and are not designed for printing or sharing in template form.
“Firstly, the Board has clearly stated that UTME results are view-only. The circulated document appears on a fabricated result template, which on its own is sufficient indication that it is not authentic,” Benjamin said.
The UTME is the examination conducted annually by JAMB for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Over the years, the exam body has introduced digital systems to reduce malpractice and ensure transparency in result checking and admission processes.
Despite these measures, fake results and misinformation sometimes circulate online, especially on social media platforms, where unverified content can spread quickly.
JAMB also pointed out that the registration number shown on the fake result does not match its official system-generated format. According to the board, this is one of the clear signs that the document was not issued by the agency.
“Secondly, the Board’s registration numbers are system-generated and do not follow the pattern ‘20269’ as seen on the fake slip. There are several other inconsistencies that, even at a glance, expose the result as fraudulent,” the spokesperson added.
The examination body warned members of the public to be careful about the information they consume and share online, especially when it concerns examination results and academic records. It stressed that all authentic UTME results can only be accessed through official JAMB channels.
“The public is strongly advised to disregard this fake result and rely only on official channels for accurate information. All results at the moment are view-only,” Benjamin stated.
In recent years, JAMB has repeatedly had to address cases of fake result slips and false claims circulating online. The agency has maintained that such misinformation can mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion among candidates and parents.
Education stakeholders say the rise of social media has made it easier for false information to spread quickly, especially when it appears to celebrate academic success. However, they also note that it has increased the responsibility of institutions to respond quickly and clarify issues.
The UTME remains one of the most important examinations in Nigeria’s education system, as it determines admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Each year, millions of candidates sit for the exam, making it a highly competitive process.
Because of its importance, results often attract public attention, and any claim of unusually high scores tends to go viral, as seen in this case.
JAMB has continued to caution candidates, parents, and the general public against falling for fake information or unofficial announcements. The board has also encouraged Nigerians to verify any claim through its official website or approved communication channels.
As the 2026 UTME cycle progresses, the agency says it remains committed to maintaining transparency, credibility, and fairness in its examination and admission processes.