The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, significantly expanding the number of candidates who can now access their scores.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB confirmed that 1,264,940 results from the two days have been made available.
“The results of candidates who sat the examination on Friday, 17 April and Saturday, 18 April 2026 have now been released. A total of 1,264,940 results from these two days are available for candidates to check/view,” the statement read.
Cumulative Results Released So Far
The newly released figures add to earlier results already made public by the board.
- Thursday, April 16: 632,752 results
- Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18: 1,264,940 results
This brings the total number of UTME results released so far to 1,897,692, covering candidates who sat for the examination within the first three days of the nationwide exercise.
JAMB noted that these releases represent only the initial phase, as the examination continues across various accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT), centres nationwide.
Continued Use of Batch Release System
The staggered release of results for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday candidates reflects JAMB’s long-standing batch processing system, designed to balance speed with accuracy.
Under this system:
- Results are typically released within 24–72 hours after each exam session
- Candidates receive results in phases rather than all at once
- Additional checks are conducted to detect malpractice or technical irregularities
This approach ensures that the integrity of the examination process is maintained despite the large number of participants, which often exceeds 1.5 million candidates annually.
How Candidates Can Check Their Results
JAMB has reiterated that candidates should use its official SMS channels to access their scores.
- Send UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019
- Use the same phone number (SIM), used during UTME registration
The SMS method remains the primary and most reliable way to check results immediately after release, with online portal access typically following later.
What the Early Releases Mean for Candidates
The prompt release of results from the first three days of the examination provides candidates with:
- Early insight into their performance
- More time to prepare for post-UTME screenings
- Opportunity to begin admission planning
However, JAMB cautions that not all results may be released immediately. Some may be withheld temporarily for further verification, particularly in cases involving suspected examination malpractice or technical concerns.
Outlook for Remaining Candidates
With nearly 1.9 million results already released, attention now turns to candidates who sat for the examination in subsequent days. JAMB is expected to continue releasing results in batches as the nationwide exercise progresses.
The board emphasized that the results released so far cover only the first three days of the UTME, indicating that more batches will follow in the coming days until all processed results are made available.
Conclusion
The release of Friday and Saturday UTME results marks a significant milestone in the 2026 examination cycle. By maintaining a structured, phased release system, JAMB continues to demonstrate its commitment to efficiency, transparency, and examination integrity, while giving candidates timely access to their academic prospects.