The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified the age requirement for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria
According to the examination body, candidates are considered underage if they are below 16 years of age on or before September 30 of the admission year
JAMB explained that the September 30 age threshold was introduced as a policy by the Federal Ministry of Education. However, candidates below the age of 16 are still permitted to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), although they will be classified as underage candidates
The board stated that underage candidates must meet additional requirements to be considered for admission. Such candidates are expected to score at least 80 per cent in the UTME, Post-UTME and O-Level screening
JAMB further noted that meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee admission, as admission decisions ultimately rest with the candidate’s chosen institution
The clarification was issued under JAMB’s public education initiative, “JAMB Explained,” which provides candidates and the general public with information on admission requirements, policies and procedures
JAMB urged prospective candidates and their parents or guardians to familiarise themselves with the applicable admission guidelines to avoid misinformation and unrealistic expectations