The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic excellence and inclusivity by offering a unique opportunity for gifted candidates under the age of 16 to qualify for admission into tertiary institutions. According to JAMB, while the general policy mandates that candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30 of the admission year, exceptions can be made for exceptionally gifted candidates who meet specific criteria.
Criteria for Gifted Candidates
To qualify for admission as an underage candidate, the following conditions must be met:
- High UTME Score: The candidate must achieve a minimum score of 280 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
- Exceptional Performance in SSCE: Candidates must perform remarkably well in their Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE), demonstrating academic excellence in core subjects.
- Post-UTME Performance: The candidate must excel in the post-UTME assessment conducted by their institution of choice.
These criteria aim to ensure that only genuinely gifted candidates who are academically prepared for tertiary education are granted admission under this policy.
Reinforcing the Age Policy
JAMB has reiterated that the 16-year minimum age requirement remains in place for the majority of candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This policy aligns with global best practices and ensures that students admitted into tertiary institutions are mature enough to handle the demands of higher education.
The decision to make exceptions for gifted candidates reflects JAMB’s recognition of the need to nurture exceptional talent and provide opportunities for outstanding young learners to reach their potential.
Background on the Age Policy Debate
The age requirement for tertiary education has been a topic of significant debate. In 2024, the Federal Government briefly implemented a policy requiring candidates to be at least 18 years old to gain admission into tertiary institutions. However, this decision faced widespread criticism and was eventually reversed by the current Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in November 2024.
The current 16-year benchmark was reaffirmed during the 2024 policy meeting on admissions, with JAMB committing to enforcing this policy while allowing flexibility for gifted underage candidates.
JAMB’s Commitment to Excellence
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that the Board’s policies are designed to uphold academic standards and ensure that candidates are adequately prepared for tertiary education. He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for gifted students, stating, “Our goal is to balance the enforcement of policies with the recognition of exceptional talent. By setting high standards, we ensure that underage candidates who gain admission are truly ready for the academic and social challenges of higher education.”
A Pathway for Young Scholars
The pathway for gifted underage candidates is not just an exception but an avenue to inspire and nurture young scholars. By requiring high UTME scores and excellent academic records, JAMB ensures that only candidates with exceptional abilities are considered, maintaining the integrity of the admission process.
Encouragement for Prospective Candidates
JAMB encourages gifted candidates who believe they meet the criteria to begin their preparations early. The Board also advises schools and parents to provide the necessary support to help these candidates excel in their UTME, SSCE, and post-UTME examinations.
Conclusion
JAMB’s decision to allow gifted candidates under the age of 16 to qualify for admission with high UTME scores is a testament to its commitment to recognizing and nurturing exceptional talent. While the age policy ensures maturity and readiness for most candidates, this exception provides a pathway for young prodigies to pursue their academic dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.
Prospective candidates, parents, and stakeholders are advised to stay updated on JAMB policies and adhere to the established guidelines to ensure a seamless admission process.
Please jamb should extend the date from 30th September to 31st October please🙏😭😭
Thanks
Please JAMB should extend date to December 25th thanks
Jamb should kindly extend the age to candidates who clocks 16 years on or before 31st of Dec of the year to give room for exceptional students.
My daughter was not giving admission last year because she’s underage despite the fact that she score above 300 and she can be categorise as exceptional student
JAMB should extend the date to December 31st of every year for qualification for registration, to cater for student that will be 16 years within the admission year. JAMB board should consider this before this year registration end. Thanks.
Please jamb extend the age limit to December 31
Please, my son would be 16 by 16th October. JAMB registrar should please consider ooo
Jamb pls my daughter will be 16years by 30th october and was denied registration and she is still crying on that. Jamb registra pls do something.