JAMB Awaits Post-UTME Results as 16 Universities Delay Submission for Underage Candidates
16 out of 71 universities directed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to submit post-UTME results of underage candidates failed to meet the September 15, 2025 deadline, leaving 40 high-scoring applicants in limbo despite passing initial screening.
Draymo
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that 16 of the 71 universities directed to submit post-UTME results of underage candidates failed to meet the September 15, 2025, deadline. Out of 41,027 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, only about 500 passed initial screening, while 40 remain affected by the delay from the defaulting institutions, including the University of Abuja, University of Calabar, and Kwara State University. JAMB said only candidates with a minimum UTME score of 320, 80% in post-UTME, and 80% in WAEC/NECO are being considered, following complaints that high-performing students were being denied admission due to age restrictions. The board maintains the 16-year entry age policy in line with the Ministry of Education’s directive to ensure students’ maturity for tertiary education.
Sixteen out of the 71 universities that received applications for admissions of underage candidates failed to meet the September 15, 2025, deadline set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for the submission of post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination screening results.
JAMB had directed 71 universities that received applications from underage candidates to submit their post-UTME results early to enable speedy processing of admissions.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, recently disclosed that out of the 41,027 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, only about 500 scaled through initial screening.
He noted that four institutions the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; and Osun State University formally notified JAMB that they would not admit underage candidates under any circumstances.
However, data obtained showed that 40 underage candidates were affected by the delay from the 16 universities yet to submit results. These include Abia State University (one applicant), Bayelsa Medical University (one), Bingham University, Karu (three), Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi (one), Federal University, Lokoja (two), Kwara State University (four), Lead City University (two), Madonna University (one), McPherson University (two), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (one), Modibbo Adama University (one), Rhema University (one), TopFaith University (one), University of Abuja (12), and University of Calabar (six).
JAMB explained that consideration was being given only to candidates who scored at least 320 in the UTME, secured a minimum of 80 per cent in post-UTME, and obtained 80 per cent (24/30 points) in a single sitting of WAEC or NECO.
The policy shift followed complaints by parents and stakeholders that high-performing candidates were being denied admission strictly on the basis of age.
Currently, JAMB enforces a 16-year minimum entry age into tertiary institutions, in line with the Ministry of Education’s directive. The policy, according to the board, is to ensure that candidates admitted are mentally and psychologically mature enough to cope with the rigours of higher education.
