By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
CANDIDATES BELOW 16 years old may now be considered for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions if they achieve a minimum score of 320 out of 400 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced this new benchmark as an exception for academically gifted students.
The board said this decision follows the reinstatement of 16 years as the minimum admission age by the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, reversing an earlier policy that set the threshold at 18.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that while the standard requirement remains 16 years, candidates demonstrating exceptional ability could be considered under strict conditions.
Oloyede, speaking during a meeting with education stakeholders, including Chief External Examiners and members of the Equal Opportunity Group, stressed the importance of maturity in academic success.
He noted that biological age plays a crucial role in intellectual development, just as age restrictions exist for leadership positions.
A transcript from the meeting, published in JAMB’s bulletin, quoted Oloyede as saying, “The Minister of Education has clearly stated that the minimum admission age remains 16.
However, we acknowledge that some children are exceptionally gifted. These individuals should not be overlooked but must meet rigorous academic standards to qualify.”
Candidates below 16 must excel in multiple assessments, including UTME, West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Post-UTME, and General Certificate Examination (GCE) O/Level, to be considered for admission.
JAMB has also raised concerns over the growing trend of private universities admitting underage students who later struggle academically.
Oloyede revealed that about 80% of such students either fail to cope with academic demands or switch programmes due to poor performance.
The JAMB registrar further criticised the manipulation of birth records by parents eager to secure early admission for their children.
He noted that many later attempt to alter their ages to meet the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) requirements.
Oloyede further stressed that to strengthen its evaluation process, JAMB has introduced a mock UTME for younger candidates, scheduled for February 23, before the main examination on March 8.
The sale of UTME forms will run from January 31 to March 5, he noted.
