The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the names of the top-performing candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The list of the 10 highest scorers was unveiled during the board's annual policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions, held in Abuja.
According to the list released by JAMB, Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin emerged as the highest-scoring candidate nationwide with a total score of 372 out of 400. She has applied to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos. Enwere Kingsley Ikenna secured the second position with a score of 370, applying for Computer Science at Nile University of Nigeria. Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel followed closely with 369, aspiring to study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Full List of Top 10 Candidates and Their Chosen Institutions
- Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin — 372 — University of Lagos — Medicine and Surgery
- Enwere Kingsley Ikenna — 370 — Nile University of Nigeria — Computer Science
- Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel — 369 — Federal University of Technology, Akure — Software Engineering
- Olabiyisi Olanrewaju Oluwatimileyin — 368 — Pan Atlantic University — Mechatronics Engineering
- Victor-Onyeka Daniel Ifeanyi — 368 — University of Port Harcourt — Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Osagiobare Daniel Osahenrumwen — 368 — University of Benin — Mechanical Engineering
- Ademiluyi Adebowale Anthony — 368 — Obafemi Awolowo University — Computer Engineering
- Azuike Kenechukwu Anthony — 368 — Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti — Software Engineering
- Offorkile Michael Okechukwu — 367 — Ahmadu Bello University — Computer Science
- Adebisi Eniola Sonari — 367 — Covenant University — Computer Science
The majority of the top candidates applied for highly competitive courses, including Medicine and Surgery, Engineering, Computer Science, Pharmacy, and Law. This development has generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians congratulating the candidates for their exceptional performance in one of the country's most challenging examinations.
Every year, millions of candidates sit for the UTME, which serves as the primary entrance examination for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. JAMB has continued to emphasize the use of technology and stricter examination monitoring systems to reduce malpractice and improve the credibility of the examination process.
During the policy meeting, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede announced plans to introduce a 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) policy from 2027. This initiative would allow candidates to use personal computers during UTME examinations under strict anti-malpractice monitoring systems. The release of the top scorers list also comes amid ongoing conversations about educational standards, admission competitiveness, and access to tertiary education in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians have praised the increasing performance of students in technology-related and science courses, especially as demand for digital and technical skills continues to grow globally. JAMB is expected to continue the admissions process in collaboration with tertiary institutions across the country following the conclusion of its annual policy meeting.
