In a move stirring national debate, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced fresh restrictions for underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Despite their impressive scores, candidates under the age of 16 now face roadblocks during university admission. JAMB insists that candidates must align age, not just academic performance, with existing admission policies across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
This decision affects hundreds of high-flying students across Nigeria and raises critical questions about age, maturity, and educational fairness. This article breaks down the new policy, its implications, and what affected candidates and parents should do next.
JAMB says the new restrictions aim to align candidate admissions with existing age requirements at most Nigerian universities. Nigerian universities maintain 16 years as the minimum entry age, and the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) and many higher institutions support this policy.
In recent years, underage candidates have achieved top scores in large numbers, with some as young as 14 securing over 300 marks. While this trend shows academic brilliance, JAMB believes emotional and psychological maturity also play a crucial role in transitioning to higher education.
The exam body maintains that much younger candidates may struggle with social development and academic adjustment in the university environment. This restriction, therefore, balances brilliance with readiness.
This restriction now prevents candidates below 16, even with scores above 320, from gaining immediate admission into their chosen universities. Institutions now screen applicants by both score and age.
For example, a 15-year-old who scores 325 in UTME may lose admission eligibility, regardless of their post-UTME performance. The decision has already affected several top-performing students in states like Lagos, Abuja, and Anambra.
Parents and school administrators must now review admission timelines and ensure that candidates meet the age requirement before applying for tertiary education. This policy especially affects early starters and candidates who fast-tracked secondary school.
For candidates under 16 who fall under this policy, JAMB recommends deferring admission or exploring alternative educational pathways. These options include A-level programs like IJMB, JUPEB, or Foundation programs, which many Nigerian and foreign universities accept.
Parents may also allow their wards to take a gap year to pursue skill development, professional certifications, or creative interests. This period helps candidates mature emotionally and gain life experience before entering university.
Schools should also revisit their enrollment practices and avoid rushing students through classes solely to sit for UTME early. Long-term success depends on readiness, not just results.
The new JAMB policy has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. Parents on X (formerly Twitter) have expressed outrage and accused JAMB of punishing brilliance. Other Nigerians have praised the decision and argued that the policy protects young candidates from early exposure to adult environments.
Several education consultants have supported the policy and cited cases of burnout and poor adaptation among underage undergraduates. However, critics have argued that JAMB should provide exemptions for exceptionally gifted students.
Universities have largely aligned with the policy and have stated that they already enforce age limits during internal admission screenings. As the policy rolls out fully, more stakeholders will weigh in.
The new JAMB restrictions for under-16 UTME candidates scoring 320+ signal a shift in Nigeria’s approach to early academic achievement. Top scores remain commendable, but the admission process now values maturity and readiness equally.
Candidates and parents must now plan with the age policy in mind. UTME success alone does not guarantee university entry, candidates must also meet age requirements.
JAMB has not yet provided a fixed exemption framework, but further guidance may emerge in the coming months. Until then, staying informed and exploring flexible academic paths remains the best course of action.
