Emmanuel OchayiThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates below the age of 16 can be considered for admission into tertiary institutions if they score at least 80% in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This means that such candidates must achieve a minimum score of 320 out of the total 400 marks.
This decision follows the reversal of the 18-year mandatory admission age previously introduced by former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. The current Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the 16-year minimum age requirement, which has been widely supported by stakeholders in the education sector.
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Speaking during a recent meeting with key stakeholders, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, clarified that while the 16-year age requirement remains in place, exceptional candidates below this age may be admitted under strict conditions.
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“This is about complying with the law. Age plays a crucial role in maturity and academic development. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have age limits for leadership positions such as local government chairman. Biological age is linked to intellectual growth, and while rules exist, there must be room for exceptions,” Oloyede stated.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Education has upheld 16 as the minimum admission age but acknowledged that some gifted children should not be denied opportunities.
“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.
80% Score Requirement for Underage Candidates
Oloyede stressed that any candidate below 16 must show exceptional academic ability in multiple assessments, including the UTME, West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Post-UTME, and General Certificate of Education (GCE) O/Level exams.
“If a candidate under 16 scores 200 out of 400 in the UTME, can they truly be considered exceptional? However, if they achieve 80% (320/400), that signals exceptional ability and warrants consideration,” he explained.
Concerns Over Private Universities and Birth Record Manipulation
The JAMB Registrar expressed concerns over the role of private universities in admitting underage students. According to him, many of these students struggle academically, with up to 80% of them eventually being transferred to other programs due to poor performance.
He also condemned the practice of parents manipulating birth records to secure early admission for their wards. Oloyede noted that some parents later attempt to alter their children’s ages again to meet the eligibility criteria for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Introduction of Mock UTME for Underage Candidates
Recently, in Lagos, Oloyede disclosed that JAMB had introduced a mock UTME for underage candidates. However, he clarified that this mock exam is not meant for admission purposes but rather to assess the abilities of younger candidates.
“We are starting the sale of forms on the 31st of January till 5th of March. There will be a mock exam on the 23rd of February, and on the 8th of March, there will be the UTME,” Oloyede said.
The new policy by JAMB is expected to ensure that only truly exceptional underage candidates gain admission into tertiary institutions while maintaining the integrity of the admission process.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
