The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the screening process for underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained that results of candidates below the age of 16 remain withheld for now, with only those demonstrating exceptional academic ability being shortlisted for further evaluation.
Under JAMB’s policy, underage candidates must meet strict criteria to be considered for admission under the exceptional category. These include:
Scoring at least 320 out of 400 (80%) in the UTME
Achieving a minimum of 80% in the post-UTME screening conducted by their chosen institutions
Obtaining at least 80% (24 points out of 30) in WAEC or NECO in a single sitting
Only candidates who satisfy these benchmarks, along with strong performance in core subjects (Mathematics for science students and English for arts students), will proceed through the multi-stage screening.
JAMB Spokesperson Fabian Benjamin noted that parents of underage candidates had endorsed the arrangement.
He clarified that the “No Result Yet” message appearing for some candidates is not a technical error but applies specifically to those under 16 whose results are being processed separately.
The policy enforces the minimum admission age of 16 years (by September 30, 2026) while allowing truly gifted young candidates a pathway after rigorous verification.
This is aimed at preventing the admission of students who may not be psychologically or emotionally ready for university-level education.
The screening is part of JAMB’s ongoing efforts to balance academic excellence with age-appropriate maturity in tertiary admissions.
Successful candidates at the end of the process may be recommended for admission into Nigerian universities under the exceptional provision.
Further details on screening dates and venues are expected from JAMB in due course.
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