The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained the reason behind the delay in the activation of the printing of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) original result slips, urging candidates to remain patient as final processes are being concluded.
The board stated that the result slip printing portal has not yet been activated, as it is still completing key administrative and examination processes necessary for the proper release of candidates’ official results.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, who emphasized that the delay is part of standard procedures required before final result documentation is made available to candidates.
According to the board, the postponement is linked to the recent conclusion of foreign-based examinations as well as preparations for the mop-up examination scheduled for candidates who, through no fault of their own, were unable to sit for the main UTME exercise.
“The printing of the 2026 UTME Original Result Slip has not yet been activated. Candidates are kindly urged to be patient as the Board has just concluded the foreign examinations and is also preparing to conduct the mop-up examination for candidates who were unable to sit for the main examination through no fault of theirs,” the statement read.
JAMB further explained that the UTME is not merely a pass-or-fail examination but a ranking-based assessment, where candidates’ performances are used to determine admission positioning into tertiary institutions.
It added that the original result slip contains detailed ranking information, making it necessary for all related processes, including mop-up examinations and post-assessment reviews, to be fully completed before access is granted.
“Candidates are reminded that the UTME is a ranking examination, and the Original Result Slip contains the ranking of candidates. Consequently, all necessary processes must be completed before the slips can be released,” Fabian Benjamin stated.
The board assured candidates that once all pending adjustments and administrative processes are concluded, the printing portal would be activated without delay, and candidates would be duly informed on the appropriate steps to follow.
“As soon as the necessary adjustments are concluded, the printing portal will be activated. This will be done shortly, and candidates will be duly informed when to proceed with the printing of their result slips,” the statement added.
JAMB also tendered an apology to candidates and stakeholders over the delay, appealing for calm and understanding, particularly as many candidates rely on the results for post-UTME screening, admission decisions, and changes of course or institution.
The board noted that it remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in the conduct and release of examination results, while maintaining the integrity of the admission process.
In recent years, JAMB has adopted the use of SMS-based result checking systems, allowing candidates to access preliminary results using registered phone numbers, even before official result slips are released.
