JAMB Fixes 320 as Minimum UTME Score for Under-16 Applicants
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board introduces a new policy permitting underage candidates to apply for tertiary institution admission if they demonstrate exceptional academic ability with a UTME score of 320 or higher.
Given that the total score in the UTME is 400 marks, 80 represents a minimum score of 320.
This development follows the recent reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age benchmark introduced by the former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman.
The current education minister, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the previous benchmark of 16 years, a move widely supported by stakeholders in the education sector.
Speaking during a recent meeting with key stakeholders-including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group — JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that while the
16-year age requirement remains the standard, exceptional candidates under the age of 16 may be granted admission under strict conditions.
A transcript of the meeting, published in JAMB’s bulletin quoted quoted Oloyede as saying: “This is about complying with the law. Age plays a crucial role in maturity and academic development. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have age limits for leadership positions such as local government chairman. Biological age is linked to intellectual growth, and while rules exist, there must be room for exceptions.
“The Minister of Education has clearly stated that the minimum age for admission remains 16. However, we acknowledge that some gifted children exist. These individuals should not be overlooked. We must identify them and allow them to sit for the exams.”
Oloyede emphasised that exceptional students must demonstrate outstanding academic ability across multiple assessments, including the UTME, WASSCE, Post-UTME, and GCE O/Level.
“If a candidate under 16 scores 200 out of 400 in the UTME, can they truly be considered exceptional? However, if they achieve 80% (320/400), that signals exceptional ability and warrants consideration,” he added.
He, however, expressed concerns over the role of private universities in admitting underage students, stating that many of these candidates struggle academically, with up to 80 per cenr eventually being transferred to other programmes due to poor performance.
Oloyede also condemned the manipulation of birth records by parents seeking early admission for their wards, only to later attempt to alter their ages for eligibility in the National Youth Service Corps programme.
Recently in Lagos, the JAMB Registrar disclosed that the exam body had introduced a mock UTME for underage candidates.
Oloyede clarified that the mock UTME serves as a readiness test for underage candidates, rather than a determinant for tertiary institution admission.
The sale of forms will commence on January 31 and end on March 5, followed by a mock examination on February 23 and the UTME on March 8,” according to the JAMB Registrar.
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