The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has outlined a rigorous selection process for 599 candidates who, despite scoring 320 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), are currently ineligible for admission due to being under the statutory age of 16.
The candidates, though academically exceptional, fall below the age requirement stipulated for admission into tertiary institutions. Addressing this development, JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, inaugurated a specialised committee tasked with determining suitable admission pathways for the affected students.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, Prof Oloyede emphasised that while 16 remains the minimum age for admission, the board is committed to identifying and nurturing exceptionally gifted individuals among the underage group.
“These are 599 underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2025 UTME. We believe that a few of them may be truly exceptional, and we must encourage them,” he said.
He noted that the committee, which includes vice-chancellors, regulatory agencies, education experts and other critical stakeholders, would assess each candidate’s academic profile in detail. Candidates must present outstanding secondary school results, with a minimum score of 80 per cent, and achieve a minimum of 80 in the post-UTME screening, to be considered.
“Any candidate who scores below 80 in the post-UTME will not make the cut,” he stated, adding that the deadline for submission of post-UTME scores by institutions is September 16, 2025.
The committee will sit across three locations; Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri to conduct the assessment and determine final admission recommendations. The list of those who meet the criteria will be announced before the end of September.
Prof Oloyede also used the opportunity to caution parents against the increasing trend of pushing children into tertiary education prematurely. He stressed the importance of natural development and maturity in a child’s academic and personal journey.
“Parents must resist the urge to fast-track their children’s education at the expense of their emotional and cognitive development,” he warned. “Introducing them to the tertiary system too early, or resorting to bribery to secure admission, is not only harmful but sends the wrong message.”
The JAMB registrar reaffirmed the board’s commitment to fairness and transparency, assuring Nigerians that the process will be handled with utmost integrity, owing to the calibre of the committee members involved.
