The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a new admission policy, setting a minimum UTME score of 320 for candidates under the age of 16 seeking admission into Nigerian universities. This decision aims to regulate early entry into tertiary institutions and ensure young candidates meet academic readiness standards.
According to JAMB, the move is part of broader reforms to standardize admission processes and maintain quality in higher education. The board emphasized that while younger candidates are allowed to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), they must attain a significantly high score to be considered for admission. This policy applies to all accredited universities across the country.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained that the decision was reached after consultations with stakeholders in the education sector. He noted that many universities had raised concerns about the maturity of under-16 students, prompting JAMB to introduce stricter guidelines for their admission. He also stated that institutions retain the right to set additional criteria beyond the UTME score.
While some education experts have praised the policy for promoting academic excellence, others have expressed concerns about its fairness to exceptionally talented young students. Some argue that age should not be a barrier if a candidate demonstrates the intellectual capability required for university education. However, JAMB insists that the measure is in the best interest of students and institutions.
With this new benchmark in place, prospective under-16 candidates must prepare rigorously to meet the requirement. The policy underscores JAMB’s commitment to ensuring that students admitted into Nigerian universities possess not only academic excellence but also the maturity needed to thrive in a university environment.
