ABUJA – August 7, 2025 — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled a new set of stringent screening procedures for candidates under the age of 16 who score exceptionally high in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The move follows a federal directive reinforcing the minimum age requirement for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions at 16 years.
During a virtual meeting with vice chancellors and admissions officers, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, stated that while the age policy remains in force, limited exceptions may be granted to underage candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic performance alongside emotional and psychological readiness.
The decision, Professor Oloyede said, is aimed at addressing what he described as “academic abuse”—the trend of pushing underage students into universities before they are emotionally prepared for the demands of tertiary education.
Strict Academic Requirements for Underage Applicants
Under the new policy, only candidates who meet the following academic benchmarks will be considered for possible admission:
A minimum UTME score of 320 out of 400 (80%)
A Post-UTME score of at least 80%
At least 80% in a single sitting of either the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO), equivalent to 24 points out of a possible 30
No combination of examination bodies (e.g., WAEC and NECO) will be allowed
For science candidates, mathematics must be among the top-performing subjects; for arts candidates, English is mandatory
Even in institutions where Post-UTME assessments have been suspended, underage candidates will still be required to undergo a dedicated screening process, as mandated by JAMB.
Psychological Readiness Now Part of the Equation
In a significant policy shift, JAMB has also introduced a new layer of evaluation focusing on the affective and psychomotor domains—areas previously not considered in the admissions process. This includes assessments of emotional maturity, behavioral readiness, and adaptability to university life.
To oversee the implementation of the policy, JAMB has inaugurated a 23-member National Committee on Underage Admission, chaired by Professor Oloyede. The committee will conduct screenings in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri, with a mandate to evaluate both academic credentials and psychological fitness.
A subcommittee, led by Professor Taoheed Adedoja—former Minister of Sports and an expert in special education—has been tasked with developing the screening template for these new psychometric evaluations. The framework is expected to be completed and submitted within a week.
Upholding Standards While Recognizing Excellence
JAMB reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process while allowing room for genuine cases of extraordinary academic talent.
“The policy is not designed to discourage brilliance,” Professor Oloyede said, “but to ensure that candidates are not only intellectually qualified, but also emotionally and socially prepared to thrive in a university environment.”
