Candidates below 16 can now gain admission into Nigerian universities, if they prove academic excellence. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced that only those scoring at least 320 out of 400 in the UTME will be considered under this exemption.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, clarified that while the minimum admission age remains 16, exceptions will be made for gifted students.
“The Minister of Education has clearly stated that the minimum age for admission remains 16. However, we acknowledge that some gifted children exist. These individuals should not be overlooked,” he stated.
He emphasised that age is linked to intellectual maturity, adding, “If a candidate under-16 scores 200 out of 400 in the UTME, can they truly be considered exceptional? However, if they achieve 80% (320/400), that signals exceptional ability and warrants consideration.”
Oloyede also criticised private universities admitting underage students who later struggle academically.
According to him, “Many of these candidates are eventually transferred to other programmes due to poor performance.”
To assess younger candidates before full admission consideration, JAMB has introduced a mock UTME.
“This is not for admission purposes but to test their ability,” he explained.
Registration for UTME begins on January 31, with a mock exam scheduled for February 23 and the main exam set for March 8.
