The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified its policy on underage candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
JAMB explained that a candidate is classified as underage if they are below 16 years of age on or before September 30 of the admission year. The board said the September 30 age threshold was established by the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to JAMB, candidates below 16 may still sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), but they fall under the board’s exceptional candidate category and are not automatically eligible for admission.
For the 2026 admission cycle, underage candidates seeking exceptional consideration must meet additional academic requirements, including a strong UTME performance and further screening. Reports indicate that candidates must score at least 320 in UTME and meet the required benchmarks in subsequent screening stages.
JAMB said the policy is intended to ensure that only exceptionally gifted younger candidates are considered for admission before reaching the standard minimum age.
