Under-16 Candidates Must Score 80% in UTME, Post-UTME, O’Level – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates below the age of 16 seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions must meet an 80 per cent academic benchmark.

The board said under-16 candidates must score at least 80 per cent in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Post-UTME and O’Level screening to qualify for admission consideration.

JAMB made the clarification through its JAMB Explained public education initiative, which provides information on admission policies and procedures.

JAMB clarifies age requirement

According to the examination body, candidates below 16 years are allowed to register for and sit the UTME.

However, such candidates are classified as underage candidates during the admission process.

JAMB said the policy applies to candidates who are below 16 years old as of September 30 of the admission year.

The age threshold was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education as part of the conditions guiding admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Underage candidates must meet 80% benchmark

JAMB explained that underage candidates are generally not considered for admission unless they qualify as exceptional candidates.

For such candidates to become eligible for admission consideration, they must obtain a minimum score of 80 per cent in each of the UTME, Post-UTME and O’Level screening exercises.

This means that achieving 80 per cent in the UTME alone is not enough to meet the requirement.

Candidates must also satisfy the 80 per cent benchmark in the other required assessments before they can be considered under the exceptional category.

Meeting benchmark does not guarantee admission

The board further clarified that attaining the required 80 per cent does not automatically secure admission for an underage candidate.

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JAMB said the final decision rests with the candidate’s chosen institution.

Universities and other tertiary institutions may therefore apply their own admission requirements when considering exceptionally young candidates.

The clarification is expected to provide parents and young candidates with a clearer understanding of the conditions surrounding early admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.