JAMB Sets Tough New Screening Rules for Under-16 UTME Candidates Seeking Admission into Nigerian Universities 

JAMB introduces new screening rules for underage candidates, citing concerns over readiness and academic standards.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled a new, stricter screening process for exceptionally high-performing candidates under the age of 16 seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

This move aligns with a federal policy that pegs the minimum age for university admission at 16, allowing exceptions only for candidates who meet rigorous academic and psychological standards.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, made the announcement during a virtual meeting with vice chancellors and admission heads, citing concerns about “academic abuse” and the increasing pressure on emotionally unready children being rushed into higher education.

“We are seeing cases where children are pushed into the university system before they are mentally or emotionally prepared. This new measure is meant to protect them,” Oloyede said.

Key Academic Criteria for Underage Candidates:

• Minimum UTME score: 320 out of 400 (80%)
• Post-UTME score: At least 80%
• WAEC/NECO result: Minimum of 80% in a single sitting (24/30 points)
• No mixed results: Candidates must not combine WAEC and NECO results
• Subject requirements: Science students must excel in Mathematics; Arts students must include English

Even in universities that have suspended post-UTME exams, underage applicants will still undergo a special screening, which JAMB will coordinate directly. Only those who meet all the criteria will be considered for further assessment.

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National Committee and New Screening Framework

To implement the new policy, JAMB has established a 23-member National Committee on Underage Admission chaired by Professor Oloyede. Screenings will be held in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri.

In a significant shift from past practice, candidates will also undergo affective and psychomotor evaluations, assessing emotional maturity and adaptability—factors previously not considered in admissions.

A subcommittee led by Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports and an expert in special education, has been tasked with designing the new screening framework. The template is expected to be ready within one week.

Professor Oloyede emphasized that the initiative is not meant to discourage excellence but to ensure that only genuinely prepared underage students are admitted under special consideration.

“This is about protecting children, preserving standards, and ensuring our institutions are populated by students who are ready—academically and emotionally,” he concluded.