JAMB Sets 320 UTME Benchmark for Under-16 Candidates For University Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a policy allowing exceptionally gifted students under the age of 16 to register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). To qualify, these candidates must achieve a minimum score of 320 in the UTME. This initiative aims to accommodate advanced learners who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities. 

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that while the standard minimum age for university admission is 16, this provision is designed to recognize and support exceptional students who are ready for tertiary education at a younger age. He noted that such candidates must meet the specified UTME score to be considered for admission. 

This policy reflects JAMB's commitment to identifying and nurturing gifted individuals, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue higher education in line with their capabilities.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board says candidates under the age of 16 can be considered for admission into tertiary institutions if they demonstrate that they are academically exceptional by scoring 80 per cent and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Given that the total score in the UTME is 400 marks, 80 represents a minimum score of 320.

This development follows the recent reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age benchmark introduced by the former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman.

The current education minister, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the previous benchmark of 16 years, a move widely supported by stakeholders in the education sector.

Speaking during a recent meeting with key stakeholders—including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group—JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that while the 16-year age requirement remains the standard, exceptional candidates under the age of 16 may be granted admission under strict conditions.

A transcript of the meeting, published in JAMB’s bulletin quoted quoted Oloyede as saying: “This is about complying with the law. Age plays a crucial role in maturity and academic development. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have age limits for leadership positions such as local government chairman. Biological age is linked to intellectual growth, and while rules exist, there must be room for exceptions.

“The Minister of Education has clearly stated that the minimum age for admission remains 16. However, we acknowledge that some gifted children exist. These individuals should not be overlooked. We must identify them and allow them to sit for the exams.”

Oloyede emphasised that exceptional students must demonstrate outstanding academic ability across multiple assessments, including the UTME, WASSCE, Post-UTME, and GCE O/Level.

“If a candidate under 16 scores 200 out of 400 in the UTME, can they truly be considered exceptional? However, if they achieve 80% (320/400), that signals exceptional ability and warrants consideration,” he added.

He, however, expressed concerns over the role of private universities in admitting underage students, stating that many of these candidates struggle academically, with up to 80 per cent eventually being transferred to other programmes due to poor performance.

Oloyede also condemned the manipulation of birth records by parents seeking early admission for their wards, only to later attempt to alter their ages for eligibility in the National Youth Service Corps programme.

Recently in Lagos, the JAMB Registrar disclosed that the exam body had introduced a mock UTME for underage candidates.

Oloyede explained that the mock UTME is not for the purpose of tertiary institution admission but for underage seeking to test their ability.