The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will conduct a special screening for over 500 talented candidates who are below the minimum admission age of 16.
The screening exercise is scheduled for September 22 to 26, 2025, at centres in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri. Lagos will host 397 candidates, Owerri 136, and Abuja 66.
This step follows concerns about 599 candidates who scored above 300 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) but are younger than the official minimum admission age. These candidates will face a rigorous assessment process designed to identify those who are truly exceptional and emotionally ready for tertiary education.
The screening will include subject-specific tests, brief oral interviews, and verification of WAEC or NECO results. Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify:
A minimum UTME score of 320
At least 80% in the post-UTME examination
A minimum of 80% in a single sitting of WAEC or NECO (no combining results)
Mathematics is mandatory for science candidates, and English is required for arts candidates
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, explained the process aims to balance academic excellence with cognitive and emotional maturity, discourage age falsification, and protect young candidates from undue pressure. He noted that while the minimum age is set at 16 by federal policy, exceptions can be made for outstanding candidates who pass these strict academic and psychological evaluations.
A special 23-member National Committee on Underage Admission, chaired by Prof. Oloyede, will oversee the process, including affective and psychomotor assessments led by Professor Taoheed Adedoja.
The results of the underage candidate screenings will determine who gains admission, ensuring only those fully prepared join tertiary institutions next academic session.
