UTME 2026: JAMB Releases 1.8 Million Results, Addresses Hijab Controversy
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the results for candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on its second and third days. As of today, the Board has processed and released a total of 1,897,692 results. This figure includes 1,264,940 results from the sessions held on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, 2026, which are now available for candidates to view. These results add to the initial batch of 632,752 results released for those who took the examination on the opening day, Thursday, April 16.
Candidates who participated in these sessions can now access their scores through the Board's simplified mobile platform. By sending the keyword UTMERESULT to either 55019 or 66019 via text message, candidates will receive their performance breakdown. It is essential that candidates perform this action using the same phone number and SIM card they utilized during their initial registration for the 2026 UTME to ensure a successful retrieval of their data.
Amid the release of results, JAMB has also addressed a localized controversy regarding religious attire at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre in Ibadan. The Board's monitoring systems identified an incident during the first session on Thursday where an "overzealous" ad hoc staff member inappropriately directed candidates wearing hijabs to remove or alter them. JAMB immediately intervened to correct the situation, clarifying that such actions are not part of its official protocol and do not reflect the Board’s deep respect for the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians. The Board has further briefed its staff to ensure that religious expression remains a cornerstone of its policy across all examination centres.
Feedback from senior academic monitors has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the overall conduct of the 2026 exercise. The Chief External Examiner for Lagos State, Prof. Dosumu Simeon, commended the Board for its organizational acumen, noting that the centres visited were orderly, situated in serene neighborhoods, and free from technical disruptions like system failures or generator breakdowns. Similarly, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and Chief External Examiner for Cross River State, expressed satisfaction with the professionalism displayed during his assessment tour. He highlighted the seamless coordination of the process and urged candidates to maintain their integrity, viewing the exam as a test of both character and academic ability.
A significant policy shift in the 2026 examination schedule has been met with widespread approval from parents and guardians. The Board reviewed the arrival time, moving it to 7:00 a.m., with the actual examination sessions now commencing at 8:30 a.m.. This adjustment has been described as a "huge blessing" by stakeholders, who noted that it mitigates the security risks associated with early morning travel and eases the logistical burden on candidates traveling long distances. Parents reported that the extra time has helped reduce candidate stress and anxiety, allowing for a more relaxed start to the testing day and a smoother biometric verification process.
Security and quality assurance measures have also been tightened through strategic partnerships, particularly in Ondo State. The Director of Quality Assurance, Mr. Danladi Mohammed, met with the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen the security architecture across all 26 CBT centres in the state. Despite minor generator issues in two locations that were quickly resolved, the examination process in Ondo has remained successful and free of infractions. The Director credited the JAMB Registrar’s proactive innovations for the Board’s high global standing and its effectiveness in curbing examination malpractice.
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