JAMB Unveils Admission Criteria for 599 Underage UTME Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a significant step toward addressing the growing number of underage candidates excelling in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In the 2025 UTME, a total of 599 candidates scored 320 and above but fell short of the age requirement of 16 years for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
To ensure a fair and merit-based resolution, JAMB has inaugurated a committee to review the cases of these underage candidates and determine those who may be considered exceptionally gifted.
The committee, comprising university vice-chancellors, regulatory agencies, education experts, and key stakeholders, will sit in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri to deliberate on the admission modalities.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that any underage candidate considered for admission must meet strict academic benchmarks, including scoring at least 80% in both school certificate assessments and post-UTME examinations. The final list of qualifying candidates is expected to be released by mid-September.
While advocating for support for truly gifted children, Prof. Oloyede also cautioned parents against rushing their children into higher education before they are emotionally and mentally mature.
He emphasized the importance of allowing children to develop naturally and condemned any attempts to influence the process through bribery, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent.
The board has assured that the ongoing review will be conducted transparently and fairly, reinforcing its commitment to merit and integrity in the admissions process.
This careful approach reflects a strong commitment to upholding the child’s right to education, ensuring that no brilliant student is left behind, while also recognizing the importance of age-appropriate learning and development.
