In a bold move to reward academic brilliance, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set up a special committee to handle admission for underage candidates who excelled in the 2025 UTME.
According to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, 599 candidates—despite being under 16—scored 320 and above in this year’s UTME. At a meeting held Wednesday in Bwari, Abuja, the board inaugurated a committee to define clear modalities for selecting “specially gifted candidates” from this exceptional group.
“The committee will decide how to assess them, when to do it, and eventually pick those qualified for admission. It’s our way of encouraging brilliance,” Oloyede explained.
He said the committee will sit in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri, and will collaborate with stakeholders including vice-chancellors, regulatory agencies, and education experts—many of whom joined virtually during the meeting.
Under this special screening, candidates must present WAEC/NECO results showing 80% performance and post-UTME scores must also hit 80% or higher. “Any candidate who scores below that is out,” Oloyede said firmly.
The final list of successful candidates is expected to be announced by mid-September.
While recognizing rare brilliance, Oloyede urged parents not to rush their children into tertiary institutions. “Let children grow and mature naturally,” he cautioned, stressing that the 16-year age rule remains the standard.
He also warned against any attempts to bribe or manipulate the process: “It’s wrong to introduce children to crime at such a young age. This process will be fair and transparent.”
The committee’s formation has already sparked conversations nationwide, as Nigerians watch to see how JAMB will balance exceptional academic performance with age policy in the coming months.
