EXPLAINER: Why under-16 candidates may write UTME but not gain admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has provided clarification regarding its policy on underage candidates who are seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This includes details about the age requirement, participation in the UTME, and the conditions for exceptional admission.
JAMB shared this clarification in a video uploaded to its X account on Thursday, titled, "5 Frequently Asked Questions About Underage Admission."
The board stated that candidates who are younger than 16 years old are permitted to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, although they will be categorized as underage.
What defines an underage candidate?
JAMB defines an underage candidate as an individual who has not reached the age of 16 by September 30 of the admission year.
“An underage candidate is someone less than 16 years on or before 30th of September of an admission year,” the board said.
Explaining the reason for the September 30 cut-off, JAMB said, “This is a policy instituted by the Federal Ministry of Education.”
For the 2026 admission exercise, this means candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, to avoid being classified as underage.
Can underage candidates sit for UTME?
The board clarified that being below 16 does not prevent a candidate from participating in the UTME.
“Can someone who is less than 16 participate in the UTME? Yes, but they’ll be regarded as underage,” JAMB said.
However, participation in the examination does not automatically make an underage candidate eligible for admission.
What are the requirements for underage admission?
According to the board, candidates who are underage must achieve a higher performance standard to be eligible for consideration.
"An underage candidate is required to attain a score of 80 percent in UTME, post-UTME, and O-level screening to qualify for admission," stated JAMB.
This stipulation indicates that an underage candidate must exhibit outstanding performance across the designated examinations and screening processes prior to being considered for admission.
Why are underage candidates typically not admitted?
JAMB explained that candidates who are below the required age are generally excluded from admission unless they fulfill the criteria for exceptional candidates.
"Underage candidates are not eligible for admission unless they meet the qualifications of exceptional candidates," the board clarified.
Therefore, merely taking the UTME and fulfilling the general requirements for the examination does not guarantee admission for an underage candidate.
Does meeting the 80 percent requirement ensure admission?
No.
JAMB also warned that fulfilling the requirements does not equate to an automatic offer of admission.
"Please be aware that your admission is entirely contingent upon the choice of your institution," the board emphasized.
This clarification is especially pertinent for candidates who will not reach the age of 16 by September 30, 2026, as they may participate in the UTME but will face additional conditions before they can be considered for admission.
JAMB concluded its video by stating that this explanation is part of its "JAMB Explained" series.
