BREAKING: JAMB Sets 320 UTME Cut-Off Mark for Under-16 Candidates

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.