JAMB has banned admissions for candidates of this ‘age’ unless they can do this.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to strictly enforce the minimum entry age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
However, there will be an exception for exceptional candidates under the age of 16, provided they score at least 80% in four specified qualifying examinations.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, made this known during a meeting with key stakeholders, including Chief External Examiners (CEEs), Chief Technical Advisors (CTAs), Equal Opportunity Group (EOG), and several other organizations. The meeting focused on preparations for the 2025 UTME registration, a review of past performances, and strategies for the upcoming exam.
Prof. Oloyede emphasized that the national minimum age for admission is 16 years as of September 2025, stressing that biological age plays a significant role in academic and mental maturity.
“We cannot ignore age in educational development. There is a legal minimum for a reason, just as certain age thresholds exist for leadership positions. However, we also recognize that gifted children exist and should not be denied opportunities,” he stated.
Criteria for Underage Exception
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JAMB will only grant exceptions to underage candidates who can prove they are exceptional. To qualify, candidates must score at least 80% in UTME, WAEC, Post-UTME, or GCE O’level exams.
According to Prof. Oloyede, “Being exceptional must be demonstrated through performance, not claims. A candidate scoring 200 out of 400 in UTME cannot be considered exceptional. But scoring 80% in all relevant exams is a clear indicator of outstanding ability.”
The Registrar expressed concerns about private universities admitting underage candidates, noting that many of them struggle academically and eventually switch to other programs.
He also condemned the practice by some parents who falsified their children’s ages for admission purposes and later sought to adjust the age again for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) eligibility.
JAMB reassures stakeholders that it will remain firm in enforcing the minimum age requirement while providing opportunities for truly gifted students.
Candidates are urged to meet the stipulated requirements and avoid underhanded practices to secure admission.
READ ALSO: JAMB Suspends Two Centres for 14 Days, Don’t Register In These Centers
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