The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has initiated a specialised screening process for “exceptional” underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This process serves as a rare pathway for academically gifted students who do not meet the standard minimum admission age of 16 years (calculated as of September 30, 2026).
Core Screening Criteria
To qualify for admission consideration under this new policy, underage candidates must meet three stringent academic benchmarks:
- UTME Score: Minimum of 320 out of 400 (80%).
- Post-UTME: At least 80% in the institution-based screening.
- O’Level (WAEC/NECO): A minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 points) in a single sitting; result combinations are not permitted.
- Psychological Maturity: Candidates must undergo affective and psychomotor assessments and a brief oral interview to confirm emotional readiness for university life.
Status of Results
JAMB has deliberately withheld the results of underage candidates, who will currently see a “No Result Yet” status on the portal. These scores will only be released upon successful completion of the full evaluation process.
Screening Centres & Scope
The screening is managed by a committee chaired by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and conducted at three designated locations:
- Abuja
- Lagos
- Owerri
Out of over 41,000 underage applicants who sat for the 2025/2026 cycle, only approximately 599 candidates initially met the score threshold to proceed to this next evaluation stage.
Institutional Exceptions
Even with JAMB’s exceptional clearance, four universities have declared a total ban on admitting students under 16
- Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
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