JAMB Implements Stricter Admission Policy: Under-16 Candidates Must Score 80% to Qualify

Lagos, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new policy requiring candidates under the age of 16 to score at least 80% in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) before being considered for university admission in Nigeria. This translates to a minimum of 320 out of 400 marks, reinforcing JAMB’s commitment to academic excellence and appropriate student maturity.

New Standards for Early University Admission

JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede made the announcement while addressing concerns about the increasing number of underage students seeking early admission. He emphasized that while the minimum admission age remains 16, exceptions will only be made for exceptionally gifted students who achieve the newly established benchmark.

"Our goal is to maintain academic integrity while allowing room for outstanding young candidates who have demonstrated extraordinary capabilities," Oloyede stated.

Background: Controversy Over University Admission Age

The debate over minimum entry age into Nigerian universities has been ongoing for years.

• April 2024 – The Federal Government raised the minimum university admission age to 18 years, aligning with the country's 6-3-3-4 education system to ensure students attain necessary intellectual and emotional maturity before entering higher institutions.
• November 2024 – The policy was reversed by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lowering the minimum age back to 16 years after stakeholders raised concerns about hindering the progress of academically advanced students.

JAMB’s latest directive aims to strike a balance between academic meritocracy and ensuring students possess the mental and social readiness for tertiary education.

Rationale Behind the 80% Benchmark

The decision to impose the 80% UTME requirement for under-16 candidates follows reports of underage students struggling in universities, particularly in private institutions. Many of these students, though academically advanced, often face psychological and social challenges that hinder their performance.

Prof. Oloyede noted that several underage students admitted through special dispensations later transfer to other programs due to academic difficulties, reinforcing the need for stricter standards.

"We have seen cases where very young students face serious academic and emotional struggles, leading to poor performance and in some cases, withdrawal from their programs. This policy ensures that only truly exceptional candidates are admitted before the age of 16," he explained.

Implications for Students and Parents

This new policy means that while exceptionally talented students can still gain early admission, they must prove their capabilities through outstanding academic performance.

Parents and guardians are advised to carefully assess their wards’ academic readiness and emotional maturity before seeking early university admission.

JAMB’s 80% UTME score requirement for under-16 candidates signals a stronger commitment to academic excellence and student preparedness. By enforcing this standard, JAMB seeks to create a balanced, merit-based admission process, ensuring that only the most capable students gain early entry into Nigerian universities.

With this policy, JAMB continues to uphold educational quality and integrity, safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s academic institutions.