JAMB Screens Underage Candidates With Over 320 UTME Scores

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the screening of underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The examination body confirmed that eligible candidates have begun receiving notifications to proceed to the next stage of assessment at their chosen institutions.

According to JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, only candidates who meet the 320 score benchmark are being shortlisted under the board’s exceptional candidate policy.

“The Board has sent messages to underage candidates who scored 320 and above. They will be invited to the next level of assessment by their institution of choice,” he stated.

The board explained that the process forms part of a multi-stage evaluation designed for academically gifted candidates below the minimum admission age of 16.

Under the policy, candidates must not only score at least 320 in UTME but also attain a minimum of 80 percent in subsequent screening stages before being considered for admission.

JAMB had earlier withheld the results of underage candidates, with many receiving a “No Result Yet” notification, pending the outcome of this screening process.

The board maintained that the measure is aimed at ensuring that only candidates with exceptional academic ability and maturity are admitted into tertiary institutions.