JAMB releases first batch of UTME results, vowing to prosecute anyone who falsifies scores

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of 632,788 candidates who sat on the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, in what observers described as one of the fastest results releases in the history of the examination body.

JAMB revealed on Friday evening that candidates who sat the exam on Thursday, April 16, can now check their scores.

In a statement posted on his X handle, JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said candidates should send “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the same telephone number used during registration.

He explained that candidates can currently only view their scores, and printing of result slips will be enabled later.

“The results of candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME on Thursday, April 16, 2026, have been released and can now be viewed.

“To check the results, candidates must send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same telephone number used during registration.

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“At this stage, candidates can only see the results; printouts are not yet available,” the statement said.

The ongoing UTME started on April 16 and is expected to continue until April 22 at all exam centers across the country.

JAMB also issued a strong warning against falsifying or manipulating exam scores, stressing that tampering with the official results message is a criminal offence.

The board revealed that it had arrested two candidates and one parent for allegedly falsifying UTME results using artificial intelligence and other electronic means.

Benjamin said violators would be prosecuted, and warned that any candidate found guilty of exam malpractice or score manipulation would face full legal action.

He added that more results will be released gradually as the national exams continue.