Why we permits candidates under 16 to take UTME but limits admission — JAMB 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has provided details about its stance on underage candidates aiming for admission into Nigerian higher education institutions. This includes clarifying age requirements, eligibility for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and the criteria for special admissions.

In a video shared on its official X account, titled “5 Frequently Asked Questions About Underage Admission,” JAMB explained that candidates under 16 can still take the UTME but will be designated as underage.

JAMB specifies that an underage candidate is someone who has not reached 16 years of age by September 30 of the admission year. “An underage candidate is someone less than 16 years on or before September 30 of the admission year,” the board stated.

The September 30 cut-off was established by the Federal Ministry of Education. For the 2026 admission process, candidates must be at least 16 years old by this date to avoid being viewed as underage.

Underage candidates can take the UTME

JAMB clarified that being under 16 does not disqualify a candidate from registering for or taking the UTME. In response to inquiries about participation for those under 16, the board confirmed, “Yes, they can participate in the UTME, but they’ll be considered underage.”

However, the board emphasized that merely taking the UTME doesn’t make underage candidates automatically eligible for admission to higher institutions. They must achieve a higher performance standard to qualify as exceptional candidates for admission.

80% benchmark for exceptional candidates

JAMB specified that underage candidates need to attain at least 80% in the UTME, post-UTME, and O-Level screening to be eligible for admission consideration. “An underage candidate must score 80% in UTME, post-UTME and O-Level screening to be eligible for admission,” JAMB explained.

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This indicates that underage candidates must display outstanding academic results throughout the necessary examinations and screenings to be considered for admission.

Furthermore, JAMB noted that candidates younger than the required age are generally not eligible for admission unless they meet the criteria for exceptional status. “Underage candidates are not considered for admission unless they qualify as exceptional candidates,” the board reiterated.

This clarification indicates that simply participating in the UTME and fulfilling the standard examination criteria does not guarantee admission for underage candidates.

Admission depends on the institution

JAMB also warned that fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not equate to automatic admission. Ultimately, the institution’s decision will determine the admission outcome for candidates. “Please note that your admission is solely dependent on the choice of your institution,” JAMB said.

This announcement is particularly relevant for candidates entering the 2026 admission process who will not be 16 years old by September 30, 2026. These candidates may still take the UTME but must meet the extra conditions for underage candidates to be considered for admission.

JAMB concluded its video as part of the “JAMB Explained” series, aimed at shedding light on issues concerning admissions and examinations for candidates and the public.