6 Things Underage Students Can Do While Waiting for University Admission

With the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reinforcing the 16-year age requirement for university admission, many underage students who have successfully passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are left in a waiting period before they can secure a spot in tertiary institutions.

Speaking during an inspection of the 2025 UTME registration process in Lagos, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that 11,512 out of the 780,202 registered candidates were underage. While JAMB had initially made exceptions for exceptionally brilliant students, Oloyede warned that the privilege is now being misused, necessitating strict enforcement of the age requirement.

For underage students who cannot yet proceed to university, here are six productive activities they can undertake during the waiting period:

1. Enroll in A-Level Programs

Underage students can enroll in a two-year Advanced Level (A-Level) program, which provides in-depth knowledge in subjects related to their intended university course. Programs like the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) and JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board) help students prepare for direct entry into 200-level at Nigerian universities, giving them an academic edge before formal university admission.

2. Take a Tech Course and Earn Certifications

With technology rapidly reshaping industries, students can take online courses in programming, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or digital marketing. Many global platforms offer recognized certificates that can boost their career prospects. Some reputable online learning platforms include:

• ALX
• Techvinson Academy
• KemonAI
• Udemy
• RITA Africa
• SheCodes
• Coursera
• GreatLearning

Acquiring tech skills can also help students secure remote jobs, internships, or freelance work, providing financial independence while waiting for admission.

3. Acquire Vocational Skills

Enrolling in vocational training can be beneficial for self-development and financial stability. Underage students can learn practical skills such as:

• Barbing
• Hairdressing
• Tailoring/Fashion Design
• Graphic Design & Digital Art
• Computer Literacy & Coding
• Photography & Video Editing

With these hands-on skills, students can start small businesses, support their families, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset before starting university.

4. Register for Professional Certification Courses

For students interested in specialized careers, they can register for professional courses related to their field of interest. For example:

• Aspiring accountants can begin ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) professional exams.
• Future nurses can enroll in Auxiliary Nursing programs to gain practical healthcare experience.
• Engineering students can obtain basic certifications in AutoCAD, Electrical Design, or Computer-Aided Manufacturing.

Starting professional training early gives students a competitive advantage when they finally enroll in university.

5. Enroll in Pre-Degree Programs

Some universities offer pre-degree programs, which allow students to undergo structured academic training before gaining full admission. These programs help students:

• Improve their academic performance and research skills.
• Adapt to university-style learning and expectations.
• Secure direct admission after successful completion.

Students interested in pre-degree programs should check their preferred universities for available opportunities.

6. Attend JAMB Tutorial Centers for Intensive Preparation

Since JAMB scores play a crucial role in admission success, underage students can use the waiting period to:

• Attend JAMB tutorial centers for intensive coaching.
• Master time management and CBT exam techniques.
• Retake JAMB in subsequent years to improve their scores.

This focused preparation will increase their chances of gaining admission into competitive courses when they reach the eligible age.

Final Thoughts

Instead of wasting valuable time while waiting to meet the JAMB age requirement, students should take advantage of various learning opportunities. Whether through academic programs, vocational training, tech certifications, or professional courses, each of these options adds value to their future and strengthens their foundation for success in higher education.

By choosing a productive path, underage students can gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and prepare themselves for a brighter academic and career future once they become eligible for university admission.