…2026 UTME results were first released for candidates who wrote the examination on Thursday.
ABUJA, Nigeria — The iNews Times | The 2026 UTME results have been released for candidates who sat the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Monday, April 20, as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) continues its phased announcement of scores nationwide.
JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the release in a statement issued on Tuesday, directing candidates to follow the board’s approved result-checking channels. According to the board, the 2026 UTME results for Monday’s candidates are now available and can be accessed using the standard SMS method adopted for the exercise.
“The results for Monday, 20th, have been released. Candidates can view their results using the usual process,” the statement read.
To check the 2026 UTME results, candidates are required to send “UTMERESULT” via SMS to either 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number with which they registered for the examination. The board reiterated that only the registered phone line will successfully retrieve the candidate’s score.
The latest release forms part of JAMB’s daily batch processing approach since the 2026 UTME commenced on Thursday, April 16. With over two million candidates participating in this year’s examination across computer-based test centres nationwide, the board opted for a staggered release system to ensure accuracy and integrity in score processing.
The 2026 UTME results were first released for candidates who wrote the examination on Thursday, April 16. This was followed by a combined batch covering Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18. However, the Friday-Saturday batch experienced a delay that sparked anxiety among candidates and parents.
Initially, JAMB had indicated that the Friday and Saturday results would be released on Saturday. When the timeline was not met, many candidates waited through the night in anticipation, expressing frustration on social media platforms. The delay raised questions about possible technical or administrative setbacks.
In response, the board issued an apology, explaining that the delay was due to the absence of its chief executive, who was reportedly engaged in an official assignment. The board assured candidates that the integrity of the 2026 UTME results remained intact and that no candidate would be disadvantaged by the postponement.
The delayed batch was eventually released on Sunday, April 19, after which the board proceeded with processing the Monday, April 20 results.
The 2026 UTME results are particularly significant given the scale of participation this year. The UTME remains Nigeria’s primary gateway examination for admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. Performance in the examination largely determines candidates’ eligibility for post-UTME screening exercises conducted by tertiary institutions.
Education analysts note that JAMB’s daily release system represents an attempt to enhance transparency and reduce speculation. By publishing the 2026 UTME results in batches tied to examination dates, the board aims to streamline verification processes and address complaints more efficiently.
In recent years, JAMB has intensified its use of technology to safeguard the credibility of the examination. The UTME is conducted entirely as a computer-based test, with biometric verification and centralised monitoring systems deployed to curb malpractice. These measures have contributed to the gradual rebuilding of public confidence in the examination body.
For many candidates, the release of the 2026 UTME results marks the beginning of the next phase in the admission journey. After checking their scores, candidates are expected to monitor announcements from their chosen institutions regarding cut-off marks and post-UTME screening procedures.
The board has consistently advised candidates to avoid fraudulent agents or unofficial platforms claiming to upgrade or alter results. JAMB maintains that the only legitimate way to access the 2026 UTME results is through its designated SMS channels and official portals.
Parents and guardians have also been urged to remain patient as the board completes the processing of remaining batches. With examinations still ongoing in some centres, additional result announcements are expected in the coming days.
The iNews Times understands that JAMB’s phased release strategy is designed to maintain examination integrity while managing the logistics of processing millions of scripts within a short timeframe. Officials say this method ensures that technical reviews and quality checks are conducted thoroughly before publication.
As candidates across the country continue to monitor their phones for updates, the release of the 2026 UTME results underscores the scale and complexity of administering Nigeria’s largest tertiary entrance examination.
The iNews Times will continue to provide verified updates on the 2026 UTME results, admission timelines and official announcements from JAMB to guide candidates and parents through the admission process.
