JAMB Maintains 16-Year Admission Rule, Sets 320 Cut-Off for Underage Candidates

JAMB Maintains 16-Year Admission Rule, Sets 320 Cut-Off for Underage Candidates

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has tightened conditions for underage candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions, insisting on a minimum score of 320 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for those considered exceptionally gifted.

The board, however, reaffirmed that the 16-year age benchmark for admission remains firmly in place, stressing that only a narrow category of high-performing candidates may be considered under special provisions.

In a statement issued in Abuja, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, clarified that the policy is aimed at maintaining academic standards while allowing room for rare cases of outstanding ability.

He explained that the “No Result Yet” status currently seen by some candidates is not the result of any technical glitch, but a deliberate action affecting those who fall below the approved age threshold.

The board disclosed that results of underage candidates have been withheld in line with existing regulations, noting that such candidates are not ordinarily eligible for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The clarification comes amid concerns from candidates and parents who had initially suspected system errors behind the delay in the release of results.

Benjamin stated that eligibility for the UTME requires candidates to be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, adding that the board remains committed to enforcing this rule without compromise.

He noted, however, that an exception exists for academically exceptional candidates, who must not only score 320 and above in the UTME but also achieve at least 80 per cent in subsequent screening stages, including post-UTME assessments.

According to him, only candidates who meet the 320 benchmark—agreed upon in prior engagements with parents—will be shortlisted for further evaluation.

Those who successfully pass through the rigorous screening process may then be considered for admission under the exceptional category.

“For now, results for underage candidates remain unreleased,” he said.

JAMB maintained that the policy is designed to preserve the integrity of the admission process while ensuring that only qualified candidates are granted access to higher education.