The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has firmly dismissed as fraudulent a widely circulated result slip claiming that a candidate from Cross River State scored an extraordinary 394 out of 400 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning the public against the spread of misinformation.
The purported result, which gained traction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), was shared by a user identified as @Onsogbu. The post celebrated the alleged achievement of one Okon Winniefred Sampson, describing her performance as “remarkable” and “outstanding,” with a breakdown indicating scores of 96 in Use of English, 99 in Biology, 98 in Chemistry, and 99 in Physics.
The claim quickly drew attention online, with many users expressing admiration for what appeared to be an exceptional academic feat. However, JAMB has clarified that the result is entirely fabricated and does not originate from its official system.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, described the circulating document as fake and cautioned Nigerians against believing or sharing such content.
“A purported result slip currently being circulated, claiming that a candidate scored 394 in the 2026 UTME, is entirely fake. It is surprising that such a fabrication is being shared by otherwise well-informed Nigerians,” the statement read.
JAMB explained that one of the most obvious indicators of the document’s inauthenticity lies in the format itself. According to the Board, UTME results are currently designed to be “view-only,” meaning candidates can access their scores through official channels but cannot generate or print result slips in the format being circulated online.
“Firstly, the Board has clearly stated that UTME results are view-only. The circulated document appears on a fabricated result template, which on its own is sufficient indication that it is not authentic,” Benjamin noted.
The Board further highlighted inconsistencies in the registration number displayed on the fake slip, pointing out that it does not conform to JAMB’s established system.
“Secondly, the Board’s registration numbers are system-generated and do not follow the pattern ‘20269’ as seen on the fake slip. There are several other inconsistencies that, even at a glance, expose the result as fraudulent,” he added.
JAMB’s clarification comes amid heightened public interest in the 2026 UTME results, with thousands of candidates and their families closely monitoring performance outcomes. The Board has repeatedly emphasised the importance of relying solely on its official communication channels for accurate and verified information.
The incident underscores the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age, particularly in high-stakes areas such as education. False claims of exceptional performance not only mislead the public but can also create unnecessary pressure and unrealistic expectations among students.
Education stakeholders have also expressed concern over the potential impact of such fake results on the credibility of national examinations. Experts warn that if left unchecked, the spread of fabricated achievements could erode trust in the examination system and undermine genuine academic accomplishments.
JAMB reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining the integrity and transparency of its processes. The Board urged candidates, parents, and the general public to verify any information regarding UTME results through its official website and authorised platforms.
“The public is strongly advised to disregard this fake result and rely only on official channels for accurate information. All results at the moment are view-only,” Benjamin stressed.
The Board also hinted at the possibility of taking further steps to address the spread of false information, including collaboration with relevant authorities to track and sanction individuals responsible for disseminating fake examination records.
As the 2026 admission cycle progresses, JAMB continues to play a central role in determining access to tertiary education in Nigeria. Its insistence on accuracy and authenticity in result dissemination remains critical to ensuring fairness for all candidates.
For many students, the UTME represents a pivotal moment in their academic journey, often determining their eligibility for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country. As such, the integrity of the examination and its results is of paramount importance.
The Board’s swift response to the fake result claim highlights its vigilance in safeguarding this integrity. It also serves as a reminder of the need for digital responsibility among social media users, particularly when sharing information that can influence public perception.
Ultimately, while the allure of record-breaking scores may capture public imagination, JAMB’s position is clear: only verified results accessed through official channels should be trusted.
