The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has established a minimum UTME score of 320 for candidates under the age of 16 seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
Prompt News reports that the decision comes after the reversal of the 18-year minimum admission age policy introduced by former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman.
The current Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the 16-year benchmark, a move widely supported by education stakeholders.
JAMB clarified that while 16 remains the standard admission age, younger candidates can be considered if they achieve at least 80%—equivalent to 320 out of 400—in the UTME, demonstrating exceptional academic ability.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, addressed the policy during a meeting with key stakeholders, including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group. He emphasized that while age plays a significant role in academic development, there must be allowances for gifted students.
“The Minister of Education has affirmed that 16 is the minimum admission age. However, we recognize that some students are exceptionally gifted. If a candidate under 16 scores 200 out of 400 in UTME, they cannot be classified as exceptional. However, if they achieve 320 or higher, that level of excellence deserves consideration,” Oloyede stated in JAMB’s official bulletin.
He further noted that underage candidates must not only excel in UTME but also perform outstandingly in other assessments, including WASSCE, Post-UTME, and GCE O/Level.
Oloyede also raised concerns over the increasing number of private universities admitting underage students who later struggle academically.
He revealed that up to 80% of such students are eventually transferred to other programs due to poor performance.
Additionally, he condemned the manipulation of birth records by parents who attempt to secure early admission for their children, only to later falsify their ages for eligibility in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
To address this, JAMB has introduced a mock UTME specifically for underage candidates.
However, Oloyede clarified that the mock exam is not for admission purposes but rather to assess the candidates’ readiness and capability.
“We will commence the sale of forms on January 31, running until March 5. The mock exam will be held on February 23, while the main UTME is scheduled for March 8,” Oloyede announced.
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