In a significant policy shift, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled stringent screening measures aimed at managing the admission of underage candidates, specifically those under 16 years old, into Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.
During a virtual meeting with vice chancellors and admission heads in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that the Board is determined to put an end to the “academic abuse” of enrolling emotionally and psychologically unprepared children in university programs.
This initiative aligns with a recent government policy that establishes 16 years as the minimum age for university admission, with exceptions reserved for exceptionally gifted candidates younger than this age.
At this year’s policy meeting, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa articulated the objective of the new policy: ensuring a balance between cognitive maturity and academic readiness while addressing the rising number of underage university applicants.
Oloyede reiterated that while the age of 16 is the baseline for entry, candidates under this age can seek admission only under stringent conditions that demonstrate genuine academic excellence. “We are not rejecting all children under 16; however, they must undergo a comprehensive screening process to assure their capabilities,” he stated.
To qualify, candidates must meet rigorous academic standards: achieving a minimum score of 320 out of 400 (80%) on their UTME, scoring at least 80% in a post-UTME examination, and securing a minimum of 80% in a single sitting of either WAEC or NECO, resulting in at least 24 points out of 30.
Furthermore, Oloyede has prohibited the combining of results from different examination bodies, such as mixing WAEC and NECO transcripts for this demographic. Science candidates must include mathematics among their best subjects, while arts students must include English.
JAMB has mandated that all under-16 applicants undergo a specialized post-UTME assessment, irrespective of whether such procedures are typically conducted for the general admission population.
The Board intends to consolidate academic records and forward only those who meet all specified criteria for further evaluation.
In conjunction with these measures, JAMB has established a 23-member National Committee on Underage Admission, chaired by Oloyede, tasked with the screening of these candidates in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri. This committee will introduce an additional layer of assessment focusing on emotional and psychological readiness, areas that have historically been neglected in the admissions process.
A specialized subcommittee, led by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a respected authority in special education and former Minister of Sports, has been charged with developing the screening framework within a week.
The actual screening of candidates is slated to occur in multiple locations, and by mid-September, the list of approved candidates from the initial pool of over 38,000 who applied will be narrowed to just 599.
Dr. Oloyede mentioned that these 599 candidates, having achieved the required UTME score, will be subjected to the rigorous selection process. “Although a score of 320 or above allows for potential consideration, admission is not guaranteed without passing our multi-layered screening approach,” he added.
Additionally, JAMB has also removed all under-16 candidates from its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), instructing any university willing to admit such candidates to secure JAMB’s permission, with stern penalties for noncompliance.
Oloyede noted that at least four universities—Air Force Institute of Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Jos, and Osun State University—have publicly declared they will not admit any underage students.
The Registrar attributed the rise in underage admissions to lapses in policy enforcement and societal pressures, including early enrollment in education systems, the informal removal of the Primary Six examination in many regions, the growing number of dubious tutorial centers, and a cultural inclination for parents to use their children’s academic achievements for social validation.
“This toxic culture compromises the child’s psychological development,” Oloyede asserted, urging institutions to fully embrace the new policies designed to protect students and uphold educational standards. “Ultimately, this is not just about JAMB; it is about ensuring our children’s futures and maintaining the integrity of our education system,” he concluded.