JAMB Firmly Dismisses Refund Demands Over UTME Result Check Charges
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has responded to complaints from candidates who spent money attempting to access results from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) held on April 17. Many candidates repeatedly tried to check their scores after an earlier indication that results would be released on Saturday, April 18, incurring multiple service charges in the process.
Apology Issued for Missed Timeline
JAMB had apologised for missing its earlier timeline, with spokesperson Fabian Benjamin initially telling candidates to expect updates before midnight. He later explained that the delay was due to the registrar's official engagement outside Abuja, stating, "Our Chief Executive was unavailable due to an important engagement but would be in the office today, and we assure you that the results will be released later today, surely before nightfall."
No Official Announcement Made
Despite the assurance, frustration grew as candidates reported being charged multiple times while trying to access results that were not yet available. In response to calls for refunds, Benjamin firmly dismissed the requests, emphasising that the board never officially announced the release of results at the time candidates began checking.
He questioned, "Why would you say they deduct money for something that has not been released? When we release results, we will tell Nigerians. So what refunds are you talking about? If they check, how is that supposed to be our business?" He also noted that the delay was due to the sensitive nature of result processing, which required the direct involvement of the registrar.
Candidates Advised to Wait for Confirmation
JAMB has advised candidates to wait for official confirmation before attempting to access their results to avoid unnecessary charges. The board insists that candidates acted on their own initiative, as no formal release notification was issued.
Related Fraud Case Highlighted
In a related development, JAMB confirmed the re-arrest of a suspected examination fraudster, Emmanuel Akataka, linked to a scheme targeting UTME candidates. According to the Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, Akataka deceived 94 candidates by collecting money for non-existent score manipulation services through WhatsApp platforms.
After securing bail, he resumed fraudulent activities under another assumed name, "Sir Frederick," demanding N70,000 from each candidate with false claims of being in contact with the board. JAMB stated that these claims were designed to exploit fear among candidates whose details were compromised.
Previous Conviction for Impersonation
Earlier, a Federal High Court in Katsina sentenced Ibrahim Abdulaziz to three years in prison for impersonation during the UTME. The court held that the offence struck at the credibility of public examinations and required firm punishment, following a trial where prosecutors established he posed as another candidate in April 2025.
