JAMB Sets Strict 16-Year Admission Rule, Allows Exceptions for ‘Exceptionally Brilliant’ Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced stringent guidelines for underage candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions, setting a minimum age requirement of 16 years while outlining special provisions for gifted students.

The new policy was disclosed during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, where modalities for the 2025/2026 academic session admissions were discussed.

16-Year Minimum Age, With Rare Exceptions
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that 16 remains the non-negotiable minimum age for admission, ensuring a balance between cognitive maturity and academic readiness. However, exceptions may be granted for “exceptionally brilliant” candidates who meet strict criteria.

“Sixteen is non-negotiable. Institutions must ensure strict compliance,” Alausa stated. “However, provisions exist for legitimate exceptions, such as gifted children with accelerated learning paths, provided their abilities are thoroughly documented and justified.”

Four Key Requirements for Underage Candidates
Candidates below 16 must fulfill four conditions:

1. Scoring at least 80% (320 marks) in the UTME or A-Level exams.
2. Achieving 80% or above in their institution’s post-UTME screening.
3. Securing 80% or higher in their Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).
4. Passing an exceptional candidates’ interview conducted by an independent expert panel.

JAMB has already forwarded a list of underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2025 UTME to their chosen institutions. However, schools retain the right to reject such applicants.

Some Universities Opt Out
Several institutions, including the Air Force Institute of Technology (Kaduna), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (Bauchi), University of Jos, and Osun State University, have declined to admit underage students.

Technical Committee to Oversee Admissions
A newly formed technical committee will manage underage admissions, conducting interviews from September 15–19, 2025, across three zones:

• Abuja (North East, North West, North Central, excluding Kwara).
• Lagos (South West, including Kwara).
• Owerri (South East and South South).

Factors Behind the Policy Shift
JAMB cited multiple reasons for the stricter guidelines, including:

• The removal of the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
• Unofficial discontinuation of Primary 6 (Basic 6).
• Proliferation of special tutorial schools.
• Cases of double promotion in private schools.
• Discrepancies between biological and emotional maturity.
• Parental pressure to accelerate children’s education.

The new measures aim to standardize admissions while accommodating exceptionally talented young students under rigorous scrutiny.