The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says the delay in releasing the original result slips for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is due to ongoing verification and post‑assessment processes.
In a statement, the board explained that the UTME is a ranking examination, and the original slip contains detailed performance information required for admission screening. JAMB noted that it is finalizing mop up tests for candidates who missed the initial exams and conducting checks to ensure accuracy before activating the printing portal.
The original result slip is a critical document for candidates, as it is used during admission clearance and post‑UTME registration in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Without it, many institutions cannot proceed with their admission processes.
JAMB assured candidates that the portal for printing slips will be opened soon and urged them to remain patient. Officials emphasized that accuracy must come before speed, warning that errors in result slips could harm candidates during admission.
Education analysts say delays are not unusual in large scale examinations involving hundreds of thousands of candidates nationwide. They argue that careful verification is necessary to maintain public confidence in the system. However, some candidates have expressed concern that the delay could affect their ability to meet admission deadlines.
Earlier this month, JAMB set 150 as the minimum score for university admission in the 2026/2027 academic session, while polytechnics require 100 and Colleges of Nursing also require 150. Analysts believe institutions may adjust their timelines slightly to accommodate the delay in result slips.
Nigeria’s UTME is one of Africa’s largest standardized examinations, and its credibility is vital for both domestic admissions and international recognition of Nigerian tertiary education.
As anticipation builds, JAMB insists that the integrity of the process is paramount, reminding candidates that in admissions, a correct result slip is worth more than a rushed one.
