The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plans to screen over 500 candidates under 16 for 2025/2026 tertiary admissions.
The screening, set for September 22–26, 2025, will occur in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri.
JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede announced this during a virtual meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, emphasizing academic excellence and cognitive maturity.
Screening Venues and Process
Lagos will host 397 candidates, Owerri 136, and Abuja 66. A special technical committee will conduct subject-specific tests and brief oral interviews.
The committee, led by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, will verify candidates’ West African Examination Council (WAEC) or NECO results.
This ensures only well-prepared candidates gain admission, aligning with global practices.
Strict Eligibility Criteria
Of 41,027 underage candidates who took the 2025 UTME, over 40,000 failed initial hurdles.
JAMB targets candidates scoring at least 320 (80%) in UTME, 80% in post-UTME, and 24/30 points in WAEC/NECO.
The policy follows the Ministry of Education’s 16-year minimum age rule, aiming to prevent age falsification and protect young candidates.
Context of the Policy
Out of 1.955 million 2025 UTME candidates, 599 scored above 300 but were under 16.
Four universities—Air Force Institute of Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Jos, and Osun State University—refuse underage admissions.
The screening ensures mental and psychological readiness for higher education, balancing talent with maturity.
Stakeholder Support and Challenges
The virtual meeting included tertiary institution heads, government agencies, and education experts. JAMB’s initiative addresses concerns about undue parental pressure.
However, challenges remain, as some institutions reject underage candidates outright. The policy aims to foster fairness while maintaining Nigeria’s educational standards.
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