The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates below the age of 16 may be considered for admission into tertiary institutions—provided they demonstrate outstanding academic ability. Under the new policy, these younger candidates must score at least 80% in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), equivalent to 320 out of 400 marks, to be eligible for consideration.
This decision follows the reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age requirement introduced by former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. The current Minister, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the previous benchmark of 16 years, a move welcomed by education stakeholders.
Speaking at a meeting with Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede reaffirmed that while the standard admission age remains 16, exceptional candidates younger than that may be considered under strict conditions. Prof. Oloyede emphasized the role of age in intellectual development, comparing it to leadership positions where age limits exist for a reason.
“Biological age is linked to intellectual growth, and while rules exist, there must be room for exceptions,” he said.
“If a candidate under 16 scores 200 in UTME, can they truly be considered exceptional?
However, if they achieve 80% (320/400), that signals outstanding ability and warrants consideration.”
He also raised concerns about private universities admitting underage students who later struggle academically. According to him, many of these students—up to 80%—end up being transferred to other programs due to poor performance.
To address concerns about academic preparedness, JAMB has introduced a mock UTME for younger candidates. This exam is not for admission purposes but will help them assess their readiness before attempting the actual UTME.
“We are starting the sale of forms on the 31st of January till the 5th of March. There will be a mock exam on the 23rd of February, and the UTME will hold on the 8th of March,” Oloyede said.
