Underage Candidates: JAMB Sets New Rules for University Admission

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday announced new guidelines for the admission of candidates under the age of 16 into Nigerian universities.

In addition, the board inaugurated a special committee to oversee the admission process for underage candidates.

This development follows the Nigerian government’s policy establishing 16 years as the official minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions. However, exceptions are now being made for exceptionally high-performing candidates below this age threshold.

The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this at the sidelines of the committee’s inaugural meeting held in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to Oloyede, the newly formed committee will determine the criteria for identifying what he described as “specially gifted candidates.”

“These are the 599 underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),”

“The committee will set the dates, outline the procedures, and ultimately select those to be admitted. Only exceptionally brilliant candidates will be considered for admission into tertiary institutions in order to encourage academic excellence,” he added.

The registrar also noted that the committee includes Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities, representatives from regulatory agencies, critical stakeholders, and education experts, with many attending the meeting virtually.

He revealed that the committee has resolved to announce the successful candidates from the pool of 599 by September.

“As part of the screening process, candidates’ school certificate results will be reviewed. They must have scored at least 80 percent. For the post-UTME, participating institutions must submit the candidates’ scores by September 16,”

“Any candidate who scores below 80 in the post-UTME will be automatically disqualified.”he explained.

While affirming that the official minimum admission age remains 16, Oloyede emphasized the board’s intention to make rare exceptions for exceptionally talented students.

“The panel will convene in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri,” he added.

Oloyede also advised parents against pushing their children into tertiary education at tender ages, stressing the importance of allowing children time to develop and mature naturally.

He further warned against attempts to bribe officials to secure admissions, calling it a dangerous introduction to criminal behavior for the younger generation.

Finally, the registrar assured the public that the entire selection process would be transparent and fair, owing to the high calibre and integrity of the committee members.