In today’s update, October 20th, 2024, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released important information that affects candidates preparing for the 2025/2026 academic session. From policy changes to admission updates, today’s news covers key developments that students, parents, and institutions need to be aware of. Stay informed as we bring you the latest updates directly from JAMB.
15-Year-Old Nigerian Student Sues Education Ministry, JAMB, and NUC Over New Admission Age Policy
A 15-year-old student, Master Chinaemere Opara, has taken legal action against the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) over a newly introduced admission policy that restricts university admissions to candidates aged 16 and above. The lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja through his guardian and legal representative, Mr. Maxwell Opara, who is also his father.
The controversial policy, set to take effect in 2025, mandates that candidates must be at least 16 years old to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and JAMB exams, prerequisites for admission into Nigerian universities. Chinaemere, currently an SS2 student at Sure Start Secondary School, argues that this policy discriminates against younger students like him who are academically ready but are excluded due to their age.
A Challenge to Educational Access
In his lawsuit, Chinaemere contends that the policy creates unnecessary barriers to education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have the opportunity to wait until they turn 16. The suit, filed on October 14 under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1512/2024, seeks to challenge the legality of the policy, claiming it violates the fundamental rights of students under Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution and various articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Among the six reliefs sought by Chinaemere is a declaration that the minimum age admission policy is unconstitutional and discriminatory. He also requests a perpetual injunction preventing the Ministry of Education, JAMB, and the NUC from enforcing the policy, which he believes infringes on his right to education and equal access to public services.
The Impact on Ambitious Students
Maxwell Opara, in an affidavit submitted to the court, explained that his son is eager to take the WASSCE, NECO, and JAMB exams in 2025 to gain admission to a university for the 2025/2026 academic year. Chinaemere aspires to study Medicine and Surgery, a field that requires several years of intensive education. However, under the current policy, he would be unable to sit for the necessary exams or gain admission until he turns 16.
Maxwell emphasized that there is no federal law in Nigeria that sets an age limit for university admission. The policy, in his view, restricts young, capable students from pursuing their academic dreams and is a form of age discrimination.
Broader Reactions to the Policy
The announcement of the minimum age policy by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, in July 2024 has sparked widespread debate. Initially, the policy set the minimum age for university admission at 18 years but was later adjusted to 16 after public backlash. Despite the adjustment, critics argue that the policy still unfairly impacts gifted students who are ready for higher education before reaching the age of 16.
Education stakeholders and parents have expressed mixed reactions to the age limit, with some supporting the move as a way to ensure students are mature enough to handle the challenges of tertiary education, while others see it as an unnecessary obstacle to academic progression.
As the lawsuit proceeds, many are watching closely to see whether the court will side with Chinaemere and potentially overturn a policy that could affect thousands of young students across Nigeria.
The case has yet to be assigned to a judge.
JAMB Bows to Pressure, Extends 16-Year Admission Age Limit to 2025
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on Thursday that tertiary institutions across Nigeria can now admit candidates who will turn 16 by August 31, 2025, for the 2024/2025 academic session. This marks an adjustment to the previously set admission age policy.
Earlier in the year, the 2024 Policy Meeting had established the minimum age for university admissions at 16 years, with the cut-off date initially set for December 31, 2024. This decision stirred varied reactions from parents and education stakeholders, many of whom believed that the cut-off date was too restrictive and would prevent capable students from gaining admission.
In response to these concerns, JAMB issued a statement through its Public Relations Officer, Fabian Benjamin, clarifying that institutions whose 2024/2025 admissions will extend into July 2025 can admit candidates who meet the 16-year age requirement by August 31, 2025.
“This effort is to ensure equity because those whose 2024 admission would last till August 2025 would not be unduly favoured,” JAMB’s statement said. It also added that any institution wishing to maintain the original 2024 age cut-off is free to do so, respecting institutional autonomy.
The announcement has been seen as a move to balance fairness for both students and educational institutions, ensuring that younger students are not excluded simply due to their age, provided they meet the academic and institutional standards for admission.
JAMB 2025 Sales of Form Date Yet to Be Announced, Expected by January
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has not yet announced the official date for the sale of forms for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This update comes amidst growing inquiries from prospective candidates eager to register for the examination.
While there is no confirmed date at this time, sources suggest that the sales of the 2025 JAMB forms are likely to begin in January. This aligns with the usual pattern from previous years, where registration often starts early in the year, allowing students ample time to prepare for the exam.
Candidates are advised to keep an eye on official JAMB channels, including their website and verified social media pages, for accurate information regarding the release date. JAMB officials also urge the public to be cautious of false information circulating online and to avoid engaging with unauthorized registration centers or agents.
Once the sale of forms is officially announced, students will be able to purchase and complete their registration through JAMB’s accredited centers across the country.
JAMB 2025 Syllabus Released, Available for Download
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the syllabus for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Candidates preparing for the upcoming exam can now access and download the syllabus, which serves as a comprehensive guide for subjects covered in the examination.
The syllabus outlines key topics and areas that candidates need to focus on for each subject. It is a valuable tool for students as they prepare for the UTME, helping them to structure their studies effectively.
To download the JAMB 2025 syllabus, candidates can visit the following link: JAMB 2025 Syllabus. By using the syllabus, candidates will be better equipped to understand what is expected of them in the examination.
Students are encouraged to download and carefully study the syllabus to improve their chances of success in the 2025 UTME.
JAMB Releases Recommended Textbooks for All Subjects Ahead of 2025 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released its list of recommended textbooks for all subjects for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Candidates preparing for the exam are advised to refer to these textbooks as they offer detailed coverage of the topics outlined in the JAMB syllabus.
The recommended textbooks are designed to help students understand key concepts and adequately prepare for the exam. They are available for all subjects, including Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Literature, and more.
Candidates can access the full list of JAMB-recommended textbooks by visiting the following link: JAMB 2025 Recommended Textbooks. Utilizing these resources will help students focus on the material that JAMB has identified as critical for success in the 2025 UTME.
Students are encouraged to review the textbooks early to enhance their understanding and improve their performance in the exam.
JAMB Announces Areas of Concentration for 2025 UTME Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the areas of concentration for candidates preparing for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). These key focus areas are essential for students to direct their studies and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming exam.
The areas of concentration outline specific topics and themes that candidates should prioritize while studying for the UTME. This strategic approach is designed to help students maximize their preparation efforts and ensure they are well-equipped to tackle the examination.
Candidates can access the full list of areas of concentration by visiting the following link: JAMB 2025 Areas of Concentration. By concentrating their studies on these specified areas, students can better align their preparations with JAMB’s expectations and improve their performance on the test.
JAMB encourages all candidates to review these areas thoroughly and integrate them into their study plans as they prepare for the 2025 UTME. This will provide them with a clearer understanding of what to expect and help them achieve their academic goals.
JAMB Releases Subject Combinations for 2025 UTME Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has published the official subject combinations for candidates preparing for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This crucial information helps students select the appropriate subjects needed for their desired courses in higher education.
Understanding the right subject combinations is essential for candidates to meet the admission requirements for various programs across Nigerian universities. The combinations are tailored to align with specific courses, ensuring that students take the necessary subjects that enhance their chances of admission.
Candidates can find the complete list of subject combinations by visiting the following link: JAMB 2025 Subject Combinations. This resource will assist students in making informed choices about their examinations, aligning their subject selections with their academic goals.
JAMB advises all candidates to carefully review the subject combinations relevant to their intended courses and to plan their study strategies accordingly. By doing so, candidates can ensure they are adequately prepared for the 2025 UTME and increase their likelihood of gaining admission into their preferred institutions.
JAMB 2025: List of Approved CBT Centres Now Available
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official list of approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). These centres are designated locations where candidates will take their exams, ensuring a standardized and secure testing environment.
Candidates preparing for the 2025 UTME are encouraged to check the list of CBT centres to identify their assigned locations. It is crucial to familiarize themselves with the chosen centre ahead of the examination date to avoid any last-minute issues on the exam day.
You can access the complete list of approved CBT centres by visiting the following link: JAMB 2025 CBT Centres. This resource provides essential information, including the names and addresses of the centres, helping candidates to plan their travel and logistics effectively.
JAMB advises all candidates to adhere to the guidelines provided by the examination body and to ensure they arrive at their designated CBT centres on time for a smooth examination experience. Preparing in advance and being aware of the exam centre will contribute to a more successful UTME.
JAMB 2025: Official Cut-Off Marks Released for Admission into Tertiary Institutions
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session, outlining the minimum scores required for admission into various tertiary institutions across Nigeria. This announcement is a significant step for candidates who are eager to secure their spots in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The cut-off marks vary depending on the institution and the course of study. Generally, universities tend to set higher cut-off marks compared to polytechnics and colleges of education. Candidates are encouraged to check the specific cut-off marks for their preferred institutions and programs to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements.
For detailed information on the cut-off marks for different institutions, candidates can visit the following link: JAMB 2025 Cut-Off Marks. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the minimum scores needed for admission, helping candidates to plan their next steps accordingly.
JAMB emphasizes the importance of meeting these cut-off marks, as they are critical in determining eligibility for admission. Candidates are also reminded to stay updated on other admission requirements and procedures to enhance their chances of securing a place in their desired programs.