Kehinde Fajobi
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates below 16 may gain admission into tertiary institutions if they score at least 80% (320 out of 400) in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed the decision during a meeting with education stakeholders, explaining that while 16 remains the official minimum age, exceptions will be made for gifted candidates who excel across multiple assessments.
“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. We must identify them and allow them to sit for the exams,” Oloyede said.
He stressed that a candidate scoring 200 in the UTME could not be classified as exceptional but noted that an 80% score (320/400) would justify special consideration.
READ ALSO: JAMB Announces 2025 UTME Registration, Exam Dates
Oloyede also raised concerns over underage students struggling in private universities, revealing that up to 80% eventually transfer due to academic challenges.
He further condemned parents who falsify birth records to secure early admission for their children, only to later attempt age alterations for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) eligibility.