In the most recent JAMB news, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a technical committee to screen 599 exceptional under‑16 candidates, all of whom scored at least 320 in the 2025 UTME. This strict measure follows a policy reinforcing 16 years as the minimum age for university admission, with exceptions only for those demonstrating extraordinary academic prowess.

Why New JAMB Policy for Under‑16 Candidates

Updates on JAMB policy reinforce academic preparedness and protect younger applicants from premature university entry.

This new JAMB update reflects a broader push in JAMB registration and policy on UTME updates to uphold integrity, maturity, and the welfare of candidates.

Key Criteria for Under‑16 Candidates

As part of this JAMB screening process, candidates under age 16 must satisfy three stringent academic benchmarks:

• Minimum of 320 in the 2025 UTME (80%)
• At least 80% in post‑UTME exams
• A single‑sitting WAEC or NECO score of 80% (equivalent to 24/30 points)

Does JAMB Allow Combining WAEC and NECO for Under‑16 Candidates?

Unlike the normal practice which alows mixing of O’level results for candidates seeking admission, providedit isn’t more than two sittings, JAMB won’t be allowing that for Under 16 year old admission seekers. JAMB has prohibited combining exam results (e.g. WAEC + NECO) for under‑age candidates. Furthermore, it requires inclusion of certain essential subjects (Mathematics for Science, English for Arts).

JAMB Under 16 Admission Screening Committee and Timeline

JAMB has inaugurated a 23‑member National Committee on Under‑age Admission, chaired by its Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. There will be subcommittees that will develop screening templates to assess cognitive, emotional, and psychomotor readiness of prospective applicants.

Where Will the JAMB Under 16 Admission Screenings Take Place?

Screening will take place in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri.

The screening exercise has been limited to three places in the country. Candidates in the North may find Abuja closer to them, while those in the West and East will have to go to Lagos and Owerri respectively.

Hence, underaged candidates in Ibadan will find the Lagos venue closest to them.

Easy Description to Your JAMB CBT Centres in Ibadan

Post UTME, Results and CAPS

Admitting iInstitutions must conduct dedicated post‑UTME tests for these exceptional candidates—even if they do not generally hold post‑UTME for other applicants. Scores below 80% in any test or screening phase will result in disqualification

Final results are expected by mid‑September, with all under‑16 candidates removed from the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) until cleared by JAMB-approved institutions.

Stay Tuned for More JAMB Updates

For more updates on JAMB registration and UTME updates, visit our site and take a look at related links:

Easy Description to Your JAMB CBT Centres in Ibadan

What You Should Know about JAMB Office in Ibadan

Find the Nearest JAMB CBT Centres in Ibadan Easily

Must‑Know Points for UTME and Registration

For all JAMB UTME registrants, the unofficial minimum age remains 16, with limited exceptions under the new framework.

During JAMB registration, only those under 16 who have already met the high screening thresholds will be considered.

All underage applicants must wait for formal JAMB clearance before gaining access to CAPS, and must register for dedicated post‑UTME testing as instructed.

Frequently Asked Questions on JAMB Updates on Under 16 Admission

Here are 6 relevant FAQs based on the new updates on JAMB’s screening of under-16 UTME candidates.

1. Can a candidate below 16 years old gain admission through JAMB?

Yes, but only under strict conditions. JAMB now allows exceptional under-16 candidates who meet all of the following: a UTME score of at least 320, post-UTME score of 80% or higher, and WAEC/NECO result of 80% in one sitting.

2. What is the minimum age for JAMB registration and university admission?

The official minimum age for JAMB registration and admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions is 16 years. However, special exceptions are made for highly gifted underage candidates who meet stringent criteria.

3. What are the JAMB requirements for underage candidates in 2025?

Eligible underage candidates must:

Score at least 320 in the 2025 JAMB UTME

Score 80%+ in post-UTME (conducted by their chosen institution)

Have a minimum of 80% in WAEC or NECO in one sitting

4. Will under-16 candidates be admitted automatically after JAMB registration?

No. They must undergo a special screening process by a JAMB-appointed technical committee. They will also be temporarily removed from CAPS until they’re cleared.

5. Which states or centres will conduct the under-16 JAMB screening?

The screening for underage JAMB UTME candidates will be held in three zones: Abuja (North), Lagos (Southwest), and Owerri (Southeast).

6. Is post-UTME compulsory for underage candidates?

Yes. Even if a university doesn’t normally conduct post-UTME, they must organize one for under-16 candidates seeking admission under the special JAMB policy.