Candidates who were unable to sit for the main examination due to technical challenges, as well as those whose biometric verification could not be successfully completed during the earlier exercise, are the ones eligible for the Mop Up examination.

According to Fabian Benjamin, PhD, OrgExpert, the Board’s Principal Consultant and Adviser, each notification slip contains vital information, including the candidate’s examination centre, date, time, and other important instructions necessary for a seamless examination exercise.

To access and print their slips, eligible candidates are directed to visit the Board’s official website and click on “Print 2026 Mop Up UTME Slip.” The Board advised candidates to print their slips well ahead of the examination date and familiarise themselves with their designated centres to avoid last minute difficulties.

JAMB emphasised that the Mop Up examination represents the final opportunity for eligible candidates to sit the 2026 UTME, with Benjamin noting that no further examination would be conducted after this exercise. With this being the final sitting, How to Print Your 2026 UTME Mop Up Examination Slip has the key details candidates need to know before arriving at their centres. All affected candidates are therefore urged to take advantage of the opportunity and make the necessary preparations ahead of Saturday’s examination.

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The forum, convened by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Technical and Higher Education at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Freetown, formed part of broader reform efforts following an earlier visit by a Sierra Leonean delegation to Nigeria, where officials observed the operations of Nigeria’s admissions model during the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Annual Policy Meeting. Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, subsequently approved a technical mission by JAMB to Sierra Leone to share implementation strategies and practical experience.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, disclosed that the proposed system had received Cabinet approval and is supported by the Universities Act of 2021. She noted that the reform would address inefficiencies in the current decentralised process and create a unified digital platform for universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions. Dr. Wurie added that Sierra Leone’s objective is to adapt proven global best practices to its own educational environment, not to replicate another country’s model. She also acknowledged the support of Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, describing it as tremendous.

Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz Kamara revealed that the Cabinet had approved the establishment of a Centralised Admissions Secretariat within the Ministry to oversee the process through a unified digital platform, describing the reform as a major step towards transparency, accountability, and fairness in higher education admissions.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, commended Sierra Leone’s inclusive and consultative approach to the reform. He noted that Nigeria established its own centralised admissions system in 1978 to address challenges similar to those now facing Sierra Leone and assured stakeholders of JAMB’s continued technical support. Prof. Oloyede stressed that the aim is not to export the Nigerian model wholesale but to support Sierra Leone in building a system suited to its national realities.

The engagement drew participation from senior officials across Sierra Leone’s education sector, including the Chairman of the Conference of Vice Chancellors and Principals, Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh, and the Head of WAEC Sierra Leone, Matilda Jusu, among others.

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The board stated that slip printing for the mop up examination opens on Saturday, 6th June, 2026, giving affected candidates one week to download their Examination Notification Slips, locate their designated centres and finalise all preparations before the examination date.

JAMB revealed that the main 2026 UTME, which ran from 16th to 29th April, 2026, left some candidates unable to sit the examination due to circumstances beyond their control. Technical challenges recorded at certain centres prevented some candidates from taking the test, while others could not be verified biometrically despite presenting themselves on their scheduled dates.

The board further disclosed that additional candidates became eligible for the mop up after their results were withdrawn following examination infractions. All three categories of affected candidates have since been compiled and listed for the 13th June sitting.

Fabian Benjamin, PhD, the Public Communications Adviser of the board, described the mop up as the concluding phase of the 2026 UTME cycle, noting that it is intended to resolve all pending examination matters for candidates who duly appeared but were unable to complete the process.

Candidates in the affected categories were strongly urged to print their Examination Notification Slips promptly, acquaint themselves with their examination centre locations, and make all necessary arrangements without delay. The board made clear that the 13th June exercise represents the absolute final opportunity for any candidate to sit the 2026 UTME, and no further sitting will be granted after its conclusion.

Before the exam date, make sure your slip is ready. See our complete printing guide here: [How to Print Your JAMB UTME Mop Up Examination Slip]

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The board’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, announced the development on Thursday, clarifying that the release was separate from results previously made public and formed part of an ongoing investigation into suspected examination malpractice across various test centres.

Benjamin explained that the outcome of the review was not uniform for all affected candidates. “While some results have been outrightly cancelled where evidence of malpractice was established, others have been released where the Board found no prima facie case against the affected candidates,” he stated.

Results linked to centres where JAMB’s live monitoring team recorded suspicious activity during the examination, or where adverse reports were subsequently received, remain withheld. The board indicated that any candidate for whom sufficient evidence of culpability is established will have their result cancelled at the conclusion of the review.

The 2026 UTME was conducted between 16 and 25 April at accredited computer based test centres across the country. The investigation currently underway is part of the board’s standard procedure for managing flagged cases arising from the examination period.

Candidates yet to see their results are advised to check their status by sending UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number submitted during registration.

For result printing guidance, see: How to print your 2026 UTME result slip at any CBT centre near you..

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The appointment was announced on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and takes effect upon the expiration of incumbent Professor Ishaq Oloyede’s two term tenure on 31 July 2026.

Professor Aina, who turns 40 in July, is a professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, bringing to the role more than 15 years of post graduation experience spanning digital infrastructure, national examination systems, and public sector institutional reform.

His academic credentials are extensive. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

The new JAMB registrar’s connection to the board dates back to his National Youth Service, during which he gained foundational experience in national admissions and data driven institutional processes, knowledge that has since informed his contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.

Beyond academia, Professor Aina has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, providing expertise in ICT systems and examination integrity. He has also advised federal and state governments on digital transition, system design, and operational reform.

He holds membership in several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

In announcing the appointment, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the incoming registrar’s capacity to advance the board’s mandate. The presidential statement read: “President Tinubu expects Professor Aina to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the Board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor.”

Professor Oloyede, who is widely credited with transforming JAMB’s operations during his tenure, will formally hand over on 31 July 2026.

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JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, issued the clarification on Tuesday, confirming that the board is yet to complete the internal processes that determine the final ranking of candidates, a prerequisite for generating the original result slips.

The board explained that, unlike a standard score sheet, the UTME result slip carries each candidate’s national ranking, making it impossible to release until all examination sittings, including the forthcoming mop up exercise, have been processed and reconciled.

“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,” Benjamin disclosed.

The mop up examination, which is being organised for candidates who were unable to sit the main 2026 UTME through no fault of their own, remains a key factor delaying the portal’s activation. Until that sitting is held and its results are incorporated, the board cannot produce accurate rankings for the full candidate pool.

“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,” Benjamin noted.

JAMB assured the public that the portal would be switched on without further delay once all adjustments are in place, and that an official announcement would precede any action required from candidates.

“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 read.

The board extended an apology for the postponement. “We sincerely apologise for the delay and appreciate your understanding,” Benjamin added.

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JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement posted on the board’s official X handle, directing candidates to visit accredited Computer Based Test centres nationwide to complete the process.

“Candidates wishing to change their institution or programme of choice may now proceed to do so by visiting any of the Board’s approved CBT centres,” Benjamin stated.

“Furthermore, the printing of the original 2026 UTME result slip will commence on Monday, 18th May, 2026,” he added.

The board advised all applicants to carry out the change of institution exercise strictly at authorised CBT centres to avoid errors and fraudulent activities. JAMB warned candidates against using unofficial channels or unapproved outlets for any aspect of the process.

The original result slip, which contains candidates’ passport photographs, scores, and security features, is a key document required during post UTME screenings, admission processing, and institutional clearance exercises across tertiary institutions in the country. [See how to print your 2026 UTME result slip at any CBT centre near you.]

The activation of the change of institution window follows the release of the 2026 UTME results, allowing candidates to revise their earlier admission preferences in line with their performance and the cut off marks of their desired institutions.

JAMB routinely opens the change of institution and course window after results are published to allow candidates to align their choices with available admission realities. The board urged candidates to take full advantage of the window before admission processes advance further into the 2026 academic session.

Need help? Our step by step guide on how to complete your JAMB Change of Institution and Data Correction is available

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The state’s Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, made the position public on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, held to mark the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s second term in office.

Sule did not mince words in rejecting the federal body’s benchmark, describing it as incompatible with the academic standards Lagos institutions are committed to maintaining.

“To us in Lagos State, the cut off marks approved by JAMB look too low for our universities. None of our three universities is admitting any student who scored below 185 in the UTME,” Sule stated.

He argued that JAMB’s 150 mark, set against a total obtainable score of 400, was designed to accommodate candidates from educationally disadvantaged states across the six geopolitical zones, a category Lagos does not belong to.

“Lagos cannot be considered educationally disadvantaged to the extent of bringing its cut off mark down to meet what Sokoto or Zamfara State requires,” the commissioner added.

Sule also confirmed that JAMB had separately approved 100 as the cut off mark for polytechnics, a figure the state equally considers below its standards.

Beyond the cut off dispute, the commissioner outlined the state government’s broader agenda for tertiary education. He noted that Lagos had expanded its state owned universities from one to three under Governor Sanwo Olu’s administration and disclosed that plans were underway to establish a fourth institution to accommodate growing demand for higher education among residents.

“Increasing our universities from one to three is still part of what the state governor is doing to provide more educational platforms and opportunities for Lagos residents,” Sule noted. “And increasing the number to four is still part of this effort by the state government to allow all admission seekers to get tertiary education in Lagos.”

He also revealed that the state government, working with the Ministry of Health, was advancing legislation to establish a University of Medicine and Health Sciences aimed at boosting the training of medical professionals and reducing the emigration of healthcare workers from Nigeria.

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JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin disclosed during an appearance on the Nigerian Television Authority programme, Good Morning Nigeria, where he also addressed ongoing debates surrounding UTME cut off marks and their role in determining admission eligibility.

Benjamin clarified that the UTME is not the primary determinant of admission into tertiary institutions, describing it instead as a tool for ensuring fairness in competitive selections.

“Don’t forget that the UTME is not a major determinant of qualification for admission,” Benjamin stated. “This examination is conducted. It’s a vehicle through which we can create equity, fairness, transparency.”

He explained that five O’Level credits, including English and other subjects relevant to a chosen course, remain the core criteria for admission, with universities retaining autonomy over their selection processes within guidelines approved by education stakeholders and the Federal Ministry of Education.

On the Mathematics waiver, Benjamin confirmed the adjustment applies specifically to language and humanities related programmes where the subject has no direct academic bearing.

“For instance, if you want to read Hausa language in a university today, you don’t need mathematics. Before, you must have a credit in mathematics,” he noted. “If you go to London, you want to read Hausa or Arabic, you don’t need mathematics. Mathematics has no area in those programs. That has been waived.”

Courses reportedly affected include Hausa, Arabic, Christian Religious Studies and similar programmes under the Arts and Humanities bracket. Mathematics remains compulsory for science, engineering, business and technical courses, and continues to be a required subject at the secondary school level under WAEC and NECO examinations.

JAMB has not published a full list of exempted courses, and candidates are advised to confirm specific requirements for their chosen programmes before applying.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions, with many students and parents welcoming the change as a long overdue reform, while others have raised concerns about potential confusion in the admissions process.

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The move drew widespread commendation from stakeholders on Tuesday in Abuja, where the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group convened a national engagement bringing together 283 participants under the theme, “Achieving Success in Higher Education of Underage Students Admitted in the 2025/2026 Session.”

Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, President of the Global University for Innovation and chair of JEOG, told journalists that JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede deserved full credit for pioneering an initiative that had no comparable model anywhere globally.

Okebukola confirmed that mentors had been individually assigned to each of the 96 underage students currently enrolled in Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 session, stressing that their success was a shared responsibility across institutions, parents, counsellors and administrators.

“Our task today is to ensure that precocity is met not with neglect or indifference, but with wisdom, structure and genuine love for the young,” Okebukola stated.

The 96 students gained admission through a four stage screening process approved by the Federal Ministry of Education, requiring a minimum score of 320 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, at least 80 per cent in post UTME examinations, at least 80 per cent in the Senior School Certificate Examination, and 80 per cent in an independent expert assessment interview.

JAMB Registrar Oloyede was clear that the admissions were “neither accidental nor sentimental,” rooting the board’s position in the 1981 National Policy on Education.

“The policy envisages progression through basic and secondary education in a manner that ordinarily places candidates for tertiary education at approximately 16 years of age. Educational progression is not merely about academic exposure, but about the total preparation of the learner for life and society,” Oloyede disclosed.

He noted that the University of Ibadan and Lagos State University maintain strict enforcement of the minimum age benchmark regardless of a candidate’s academic record.

The forum featured three technical sessions examining instructional strategies for gifted learners, psychological and emotional adjustment challenges associated with underage university life, and legal frameworks under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act governing child protection and education.

Vice chancellors, child development specialists, legal practitioners and the underage students themselves participated in the sessions, which covered counselling models, resilience building and differentiated teaching approaches tailored to young learners in tertiary environments.

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Candidates must also meet the strict minimum age requirement of 16 years to secure admission. Read the full announcement here: JAMB 2026 Policy Meeting Delivers Sweeping Admission Reforms

JAMB approves 150 for federal and state Universities as well as Colleges of Nursing/Specialized Institutions, 100 for Polytechnics, and 100 for Colleges of Education as the 2026 JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination cut off marks.

Note: The minimum cut off mark for universities is typically set at 150. However, some universities may have higher cut off marks for certain competitive courses.

JAMB plays a vital role in the admission process for Nigerian tertiary institutions, and one crucial aspect that candidates must understand is the JAMB cut off marks for different institutions.

JAMB cut off marks are the minimum scores required by candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be eligible for admission into various institutions across Nigeria.

Related Post: Check Official JAMB 2026 UTME Cut Off Mark For All Courses

These marks vary among institutions and courses, reflecting the competitiveness of each program.

JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, has instructed that all institutions must not offer admission to candidates who do not score up to the cut off mark. Therefore, any student who did not score up to the cut off mark cannot be admitted into any institution in Nigeria.

JAMB 2026 Cut Off Mark for Federal Universities

Below is a list of federal universities in Nigeria and their JAMB cut off mark.

JAMB 2026 Cut Off Mark for State Universities

Below is a list of State universities in Nigeria and their JAMB cut off mark.

JAMB 2026 Cut Off Mark for Federal Polytechnics

Below is a list of federal polytechnics in Nigeria and their JAMB cut off mark.

JAMB 2026 Cut Off Mark for State Polytechnics

Below is a list of state polytechnics in Nigeria and their JAMB cut off mark.

JAMB 2026 Cut Off Mark for Colleges of Education

Below is a list of colleges of education in Nigeria and their JAMB cut off mark.

Important Notice

However, it is important to note that you need to score very high to gain admission into highly competitive courses like Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, Architecture, Accounting, Nursing, and other professional courses.

This is because a lot of candidates apply for these professional courses, and the institution has a specific number of students to be admitted each year.

FAQs

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Leading the 2026 results is Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin from Ekiti State, who scored 372 out of 400 and indicated Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos as her preferred course of study.

Here is the full year by year breakdown:

2026 | Highest Score: 372

1. Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin (Ekiti): 372: UNILAG, Medicine and Surgery
2. Enwere Kingsley Ikenna (Imo): 370: Nile University, Computer Science
3. Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel (Ondo): 369: FUTA, Software Engineering
4. Olabiyisi Olanrewaju Oluwatimileyin (Oyo): 368: Pan Atlantic, Mechatronics Engineering
5. Victor Onyeka Daniel Ifeanyi (Imo): 368: University of Port Harcourt, Electrical/Electronics Engineering
6. Osagiobare Daniel Osahenrumwen (Edo): 368: University of Benin, Mechanical Engineering
7. Ademiluyi Adebowale Anthony (Osun): 368: Obafemi Awolowo University, Computer Engineering
8. Azuike Kenechukwu Anthony (Anambra): 368: Afe Babalola University, Software Engineering
9. Offorkile Michael Okechukwu (Abia): 367: Computer Science
10. Adebisi Eniola Sonari (Ogun): 367: Covenant University, Computer Science
11. Umukoro Gift Orhenevovwero (Delta): 367: University of Lagos, Electrical/Electronics Engineering

2025 | Highest Score: 374 (All Time Record) Okeke Chinedu Christian (Anambra): 374 At a press conference on May 14, 2025, JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede described the score as “the best in the last one and a half decades.”

2024 | Highest Score: 367 (Triple Tie)

1. Olowu Joseph Oluwasijibomi (Ondo): Reg: 202440343695GA
2. Alayande David (Oyo): Reg: 202440097040EF
3. Orukpe Joel Ehijele (Edo): Reg: 202440089418GA

In that examination cycle, only 0.46% of the 1,800,000 candidates who sat the examination scored 300 and above.

2023 | Highest Score: 360 Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere (Anambra): Reg: 202330325356GA: Deeper Life High School, Mowe, Ogun State. Her performance earned her a full scholarship from Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

2022 | Highest Score: 362 Adebayo Eyimofe Oluwatofunmi (Ekiti): Reg: 202211075576JA

2021 | Highest Score: 358 Monwuba Chibuzo Chibuikem: Reg: 10054281ID He went on to study Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering at the University of South Florida in the United States.

2020 | Highest Score: 365 Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes (Anambra): Reg: 21398306DF: Louisville Girls High School, Ijebu Itele, Ogun State. She proceeded to study Mechanical Engineering at Duke University in the United States on the Karsh International Scholarship.

2019 | Highest Score: 347 Ezeunala Ekene Franklin: Reg: 96630270JC: Meiran Community Senior High School, Lagos. Franklin was 15 years old at the time of the examination, placing him among the youngest top scorers in the history of the UTME.

2018 | Highest Score: 364 Galadima Israel Zakari (Borno): Reg: 86034528DA

2017 | Highest Score: 353 Akingbulugbe Precious Ayomide: Reg: 75902784CB

2016 | Highest Score: 359 (Double Tie)

1. Akenbor Adesuwa Osarugue (Edo): Reg: 65290500BI: studied Medicine at the University of Benin
2. Anonye Victory Emenike: Reg: 65740193BF: studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Jos

2015 | Highest Score: 332 Ilukwe Lottachukwu Geraldine: Reg: 55395199EB: Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja. She later read Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science and currently practises as a lawyer and consultant in the United Kingdom.

2014 | Highest Score: 299 Onomejoh Princewill: Reg: 47049891HB: University of Benin. He graduated with a first class degree and was named the best student in his faculty.

2013 | Highest Score: 299 Olise Israel Chukwunalu: Reg: 37207292AB: University of Ibadan, Medicine and Surgery. Chukwunalu was the first ever top scorer in the computer based UTME and has since completed his medical training and qualified as a doctor.

The 2025 record of 374, set by Okeke Chinedu Christian, remains the highest score ever recorded in the CBT era of the UTME, surpassing the previous best of 365 set by Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes in 2020. The 2026 top score of 372 by Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin places her among the highest performing candidates in the examination’s history.

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With over a decade of experience in education journalism, JAMB-GOV.ORG has become a trusted voice in providing relevant and comprehensive JAMB news reporting that matter most to students and educators nationwide.

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