Thousands of candidates who sat the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Friday, April 17 were left frustrated after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board delayed releasing their results across the weekend, with the board subsequently rejecting demands for compensation from those who incurred charges during repeated checking attempts.

JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, speaking with TheCable, was blunt in dismissing the refund calls.

"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 stated.

Benjamin had on Saturday posted on X that results would be available before midnight, but the board failed to honour that commitment. A follow up post on Sunday explained, with the spokesperson revealing that JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede had been away in Lagos for an engagement and could not process the results remotely.

"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," Benjamin disclosed.

He also offered an apology to candidates who had stayed awake through the night awaiting the release.

"We also extend our heartfelt apologies to those who stayed up waiting for the release. Thank you for your patience and understanding," he added.

Benjamin further defended the board's position by explaining that result processing is a responsibility too sensitive to be delegated to any other official.

"Result is a very sensitive matter. It's not something he can delegate. But he is back now. We are going to release the result soon," he noted.

As of Sunday evening, the results had still not been published, though Benjamin posted again on X reassuring candidates that the Friday examination results would be released within hours.