The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new policy allowing candidates under the age of 16 to be considered for university admission-provided they achieve a minimum score of 320 out of 400 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and meet other requirements.
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This policy, reportedly announced by JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, is designed to recognize academically gifted students while ensuring that only truly exceptional candidates are admitted at a young age.
Background on JAMB's Age Requirement for Admission
Previously, JAMB had set the minimum age for university admission at 16 years. However, due to the increasing number of underage candidates sitting for the UTME, the board has introduced stricter guidelines to regulate their admission.
While there is no general exemption from the 16-year minimum age, JAMB acknowledges that some exceptionally gifted students may be ready for higher education before reaching this benchmark. To ensure fairness and maintain academic standards, the board has now set a strict UTME score requirement of 320 for under-16 applicants.
Criteria for Under-16 University Admission
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For an under-16 candidate to be considered for admission into a Nigerian university, they must:
- Score at least 320 in UTME (which is 80% of the total 400 marks).
- Meet all other university admission requirements, including excellent performance in exams like WAEC, NECO, or GCE O/Level.
- Be academically exceptional, as JAMB aims to ensure that only gifted students, not just young candidates, benefit from this policy.
Concerns Over Underage Admission
Despite this new provision, JAMB has expressed concerns about the readiness of young candidates for university life. Prof. Oloyede pointed out that many underage students who gain admission into private universities often struggle academically, with a significant percentage (up to 80%) transferring to other programs due to poor performance.
Additionally, JAMB has raised concerns about age manipulation by parents who falsely declare their children's ages to gain early admission. Some of these same parents later attempt to alter birth records when their children approach the age for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To prevent such issues, the board is reinforcing stricter verification processes for all UTME candidates.
Conclusion
JAMB's decision to set a 320 UTME score benchmark for under-16 candidates aims to balance academic excellence with the maturity required for university education. While the board is open to recognizing gifted students, the policy ensures that only truly exceptional young scholars are considered for admission.
Parents and candidates should focus on genuine academic excellence rather than seeking shortcuts to early university entry. Ultimately, the goal is to create a system where merit, not just age, determines university admission.
