The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a stricter pathway for underage candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, setting a minimum score of 320 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as a qualifying benchmark.
According to reports, the policy applies to candidates below the officially approved admission age, who may still be considered under an “exceptional ability” category if they meet the high performance requirement.
JAMB reaffirmed that the minimum admission age remains 16 years, stressing that only candidates who will attain that age by September 30, 2026, are eligible for standard admission processing.
Under the updated guideline, results of underage candidates are being withheld pending further screening, and only those who score 320 and above will be shortlisted for additional assessment stages before any admission consideration.
The board explained that the measure is designed to balance fairness with recognition of exceptional talent, ensuring that only academically outstanding younger candidates are given the opportunity to proceed.
Education stakeholders note that the move reinforces regulatory discipline within Nigeria’s admission system, while also addressing long-standing concerns about age falsification and premature university entry.
JAMB also urged parents and guardians to adhere strictly to official age requirements and avoid attempts to manipulate records, warning that such practices could affect candidates’ academic progression and future eligibility.