JAMB 2025: Over 41,000 Underage Candidates Sit for UTME, Must Meet Strict Admission Conditions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that over 41,000 underage candidates participated in the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) out of the 2.03 million candidates registered nationwide.

Speaking during a recent briefing, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained that while these candidates are below the minimum admission age requirement, they were allowed to write the UTME under strict conditions.

Special Conditions for Underage Candidates

According to Prof. Oloyede:

• Both JAMB and the parents of the underage candidates signed an undertaking.
• Underage candidates must score at least 70% in their UTME.
• They must also excel in their post-UTME screening and have strong O’Level results to qualify for admission.
• Without meeting these strict academic standards, they will not be considered for admission into tertiary institutions.

This policy ensures that only exceptionally brilliant underage candidates are admitted while maintaining fairness across the system.

Clarification on Exam Time and Centre Assignments

In addition, Prof. Oloyede addressed two major concerns raised by candidates and parents:

• Early Exam Schedule:
  He clarified that while candidates are expected to arrive at centres by 6:30 a.m. for accreditation and verification, the actual UTME starts at 8:00 a.m., not earlier.
  This, he noted, is a longstanding practice aimed at ensuring proper organization before the exam begins.
• Centre Assignments:
  Prof. Oloyede firmly refuted the widespread claims that candidates were assigned to centres outside their selected towns.
  Investigations, he said, found no evidence of candidates being posted outside their chosen examination locations.

Upholding Fairness and Standards

As the 2025 UTME continues nationwide, JAMB reiterated its commitment to:

• Fairness and transparency in the examination process.
• Equal opportunity for all candidates, including those who are underage, provided they meet the higher standards.

JAMB also encouraged candidates and parents to trust the system, assuring them that all examination procedures are carefully managed to uphold integrity.

Final Words

The participation of over 41,000 underage candidates in the 2025 UTME highlights both the ambition of Nigeria’s young students and the seriousness with which JAMB is handling access to tertiary education.
However, only those who meet the tough conditions set by the Board will have the chance to proceed to the next stage.

The journey continues — and only excellence will be rewarded.