The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16, with a total of 632,788 results now available.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, who also provided details on how candidates can check their results and warned against attempts to tamper with official score messages.
According to the Board, candidates can access their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used during registration. JAMB explained that, for now, candidates can only view their scores, as the option to print result slips has not yet been activated.
While many candidates across Nigeria have begun checking their results, JAMB issued a strong warning against any attempt to manipulate or falsify the scores received through its official channels.
The Board stressed that altering result messages to mislead others, including parents, guardians, or schools, is a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law.
“Candidates are strongly cautioned against manipulating the SMS received from the official platform to fabricate or alter scores,” the statement said. “Such actions are illegal and will attract serious consequences.”
JAMB revealed that it has already begun taking action against offenders. According to the statement, two candidates and one parent are currently in custody for allegedly using artificial intelligence and other electronic tools to falsify UTME results.
The Board made it clear that anyone found guilty will face the full weight of the law, adding that it is working closely with security agencies to track and prosecute those involved in such activities.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns about the use of technology to commit examination fraud in Nigeria. In recent years, authorities have reported cases where individuals attempt to alter results or create fake score sheets using digital tools.
By taking swift action against offenders, JAMB appears to be sending a strong message that such practices will not be tolerated.
JAMB also clarified that the UTME process is still ongoing, meaning that not all candidates have received their results yet. The Board explained that results will continue to be released in batches as they are processed and verified.
This staggered release system has become common in recent years, as it allows the Board to carry out thorough checks and ensure the accuracy of results before making them public.
Candidates who have not yet received their scores have been advised to remain patient and continue checking through the approved SMS channels.
The UTME remains one of the most important examinations for Nigerian students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Conducted annually by JAMB, the exam tests candidates in key subjects related to their chosen fields of study. The scores obtained play a major role in determining whether a candidate will gain admission into their preferred institution.
With hundreds of thousands of candidates sitting for the exam each year, the process is highly competitive. This makes the integrity of the examination system even more important.
The release of over 600,000 results has already sparked reactions across the country, especially on social media, where candidates have been sharing their scores and experiences.
While many candidates have expressed satisfaction with the process, others have raised concerns about delays in receiving their results. However, JAMB’s assurance that results are being released in batches appears to have addressed some of these concerns.
Parents and guardians have also been advised to rely only on official channels when checking their children’s results and to avoid falling victim to scams or false information.
Over the years, JAMB has introduced several measures aimed at improving the transparency and credibility of the UTME. These include the use of computer-based testing (CBT), biometric verification, and stricter monitoring of examination centres.
The Board has also continued to update its systems to keep up with emerging threats, including cyber fraud and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
By warning candidates and taking action against offenders, JAMB is reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a fair and credible examination process.
For candidates who have successfully checked their results, the next step will be to monitor announcements regarding the printing of result slips and the admission process.
They are also advised to begin preparing for post-UTME screenings, which are conducted by individual institutions as part of the admission process.
For those who are yet to receive their results, JAMB has urged patience, assuring that all valid results will be released once processing is complete.
As the 2026 UTME continues, attention will remain on how JAMB handles the remaining phases of the examination and the release of outstanding results.
The Board’s firm stance against result manipulation is expected to serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering similar actions.
In a system where fairness and merit are key, maintaining the integrity of examination results is crucial not just for candidates, but for the future of education in Nigeria.
With over 600,000 results already released and more on the way, the 2026 UTME is shaping up to be another major test of both academic ability and the strength of Nigeria’s examination system.