By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has introduced strict screening procedures for underage candidates who pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Professor Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, explains that the decision aims to curb “academic abuse” and prevent emotionally unprepared children from being pushed into the University system. He said, “We are seeing cases where children are pushed into the university system before they are mentally or emotionally prepared. This new measure is meant to protect them.”
To qualify for consideration, underage candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Minimum UTME Score of 320 out of 400 (80%).
2. Post-UTME Score of at least 80%.
3. WAEC/NECO Result must be minimum of 80% in a single sitting (24/30 points).
4. No Mixed Results. Candidates cannot combine WAEC and NECO results.
5. Science students must excel in Mathematics; Arts students must include English.
Underage candidates will undergo a dedicated post-UTME screening, even if the University has suspended this process for general admissions. JAMB will collate academic records and forward only candidates who meet benchmarks for further assessment.
A 23-member National Committee on Underage Admission, chaired by Professor Oloyede, will oversee the screening process in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri. The committee will assess emotional and psychological readiness using affective and psychomotor evaluations, a new addition to the admission process. A subcommittee led by Professor Taoheed Adedoja will design the screening template for these evaluations.
Professor Oloyede emphasized that the initiative isn’t meant to discourage excellence but to ensure candidates are academically and emotionally prepared for University life. He said, “This is about protecting children, preserving standards, and ensuring our institutions are populated by students who are ready—academically and emotionally.”
