The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates under the age of 16 may be considered for university admission if they achieve an exceptional UTME score of at least 320 out of 400.
This decision follows the reversal of the 18-year mandatory admission age introduced by former Minister of Education Tahir Mamman. The current Education Minister, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the 16-year age requirement, a move widely supported by education stakeholders.
JAMB’s Criteria for Under-16 Admission
Speaking during a meeting with key education stakeholders, including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and the Equal Opportunity Group, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasized that while the standard admission age remains 16, exceptionally gifted candidates below this age can be admitted under strict conditions.
A transcript from the meeting quoted Oloyede as saying:
“The Minister of Education has clearly stated that the minimum age for admission remains 16. However, we acknowledge that some gifted children exist. These individuals should not be overlooked. We must identify them and allow them to sit for the exams.”
Oloyede explained that to qualify, under-16 candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic performance across multiple assessments, including:
- UTME (minimum score of 320/400)
- WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination)
- Post-UTME and GCE O/Level
Concerns Over Private Universities and Age Manipulation
The JAMB Registrar raised concerns over some private universities admitting underage students who later struggle academically. He noted that up to 80% of such students are eventually transferred to other programs due to poor performance.
Oloyede also condemned manipulation of birth records by parents trying to secure early admission for their children, only to later attempt age alterations for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) eligibility.
Mock UTME for Underage Candidates Introduced
As part of efforts to assess underage candidates’ academic readiness, JAMB has introduced a Mock UTME for them. However, this exam will not be used for university admission—instead, it is designed for self-assessment and preparation.
JAMB’s 2025 UTME registration runs from January 31 to March 5, with the Mock UTME scheduled for February 23, while the main UTME will be held on March 8.
Does this mean that a candidate born on October can still sit for JAMB this year
Yes, but they need to score at least 320 in JAMB to be able to gain admission
What if one doesn’t reach is there any consequence
Please how are we going to register because our forms have been rejected at the centre
I will be 16 in February 23 can I still write jamb
I will be 16 by April 1st can I do UTME
Wat if my score doesn’t reach but wat am to study doesn’t even need such high score
I have registered for jamb and I find out that my age is not correct with my wace own so I change my nin own to wace age so I don’t know if it will reflect in jamb
Jamb should consider those children that will be 16 by October, November and December 2025 for admission
I am born October and they said I will sit for jamb but I have to score 320 how is it possible
jamb should consider candidates who will be 16 by October November and December for admission
may ALLAH help us
We can all do it together by faith in God. Let us study hard. God will help us. I am an october child.