Many people believe that candidates must be at least 16 years old to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). However, did you know that JAMB has a special provision that allows exceptionally brilliant students under 16 to take the exam?
JAMB’s Exceptionally Brilliant Window Explained
JAMB introduced the “Exceptionally Brilliant Window” to provide academically gifted candidates under 16 with the opportunity to sit for the UTME and gain admission into tertiary institutions. This provision is not an automatic approval but is reserved for students who can meet stringent academic requirements set by JAMB.
Who Qualifies for the Exceptionally Brilliant Window?
To be eligible for this special category, candidates must:
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance in their previous examinations.
- Have excellent WAEC, NECO, or other equivalent results.
- Meet the standard set by JAMB for this category.
Concerns Over Rising Abuse of the Policy
Despite its noble intentions, JAMB has raised concerns over the abuse of this special provision. According to the Board, an unusually high number of under-16 candidates have registered through this window, which is not common globally. In most countries, only a small fraction of students qualify for such exceptions.
JAMB has warned that it may introduce stricter vetting processes to prevent misuse of the policy and ensure that only truly exceptional students benefit.
Can Under-16 Students Gain Admission into Universities?
Although some institutions in Nigeria allow candidates under 16 to gain admission, others strictly adhere to the 16-year age requirement. It is essential for parents and students to verify the policies of their preferred universities before applying.
Final Thoughts
The Exceptionally Brilliant Window is an opportunity for highly talented young students to advance academically without age restrictions. However, JAMB urges parents and candidates to apply honestly and responsibly to avoid potential policy revisions or stricter enforcement in the future.
For more updates on JAMB policies and guidelines, visit JAMB’s official website or accredited CBT centers.
I’m 15 and have a very good WAEC result but JAMB still says I am underaged since I won’t be 16 before September 30th. Please JAMB, help me, I really want to sit for JAMB this year as the school I’m hoping to be admitted into will start their new academic session by January 2026 and I’ll be 26 by then.
A good WAEC result is not enough, rather you need an excellent WAEC result to be considered a gifted candidate. You need mostly A’s and B’s, any other grade disqualifies you
1.Do we need to get A’s or B’s in the five science subjects alone or in all our 9 subjects?
2.How do we register for the exceptionally brilliant window?
Good morning sir, so what about a student who’s brilliant and will be taking waec and neco this year, is he eligible?
Good day Sir, my Son will be 16years by November 8, this year, he is writing WAEC and NECO this year. The issue is, he went and registered for JAMB on Tuesday but his form was not uploading, what can we do Sir?
How and where do I register for jamb as an underage candidate? What are the requirements?
How do I register for UTME as an underage candidate? What are the requirements?
Will underage write jamb.