After the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the wait for the original result slip is becoming frustrating for many students planning their next move.
From preparing for post-UTME screening to deciding whether to change course or institution, many candidates say they need access to their scores to move forward with admission plans.
The good news, however, is that the delay is temporary.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has asked candidates to remain patient, explaining that printing of the 2026 UTME original result slip has not yet been activated.
In a statement released on Tuesday, JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, said the board is still wrapping up important processes, including recently concluded foreign examinations and preparations for a mop-up examination for candidates who missed the main exam through no fault of theirs.
“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.
According to JAMB, the UTME is a ranking examination, meaning candidates are scored and ranked against one another.
Benjamin explained that the original result slip contains candidates’ rankings, which is why all related processes must be completed before the slips can be released.
“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,” he stated.
The board also assured candidates that the portal for printing the result slips will be activated after necessary adjustments are completed.
“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 apologised for the delay and appealed for understanding from candidates and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, frustration has continued to grow online, with some candidates saying the delay affects their post-UTME preparation, admission planning, and decisions about changing course or institution.
For now, candidates can still check their results through JAMB’s SMS result-checking system using their registered phone numbers while waiting for the original slip to become available.
The development comes shortly after JAMB pegged 150 as the cut-off mark for university admission in 2026 — a reminder that for many admission seekers, every next step now matters.
Credit: The Punch
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