JAMB has set strict rules for admitting exceptional under-16 candidates into Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 session, emphasizing that only those who score at least 320 in UTME, 80% in post-UTME, and 80% in a single WAEC or NECO sitting will be considered.
Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede explained that the move aims to curb the trend of pushing emotionally unprepared children into higher institutions, with candidates undergoing a multi-layered screening that includes academic, emotional, and psychomotor assessments in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri.
Out of over 38,000 underage applicants, only 599 met the UTME benchmark, and some universities, like UNIJOS and UNIOSUN, have completely rejected underage admissions.
JAMB warned parents against pressuring their children into early schooling, stressing that the new policy protects students’ well-being and upholds academic standards.