In a landmark development that underscores the balance between academic excellence and policy flexibility, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially cleared 85 exceptional underage candidates for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The announcement has generated widespread discussion within the education sector, as it highlights a rare but significant shift in the country’s admission policy for candidates below the statutory age of sixteen.
This decision comes after a meticulous selection process from over 41,000 applications received from candidates seeking exceptional consideration for early admission. JAMB’s move is seen as a way to acknowledge the intellectual brilliance and advanced academic maturity of a few outstanding young learners, while maintaining strict adherence to the national age policy in general.
Background: Understanding JAMB’s Age Policy
The JAMB age policy clearly stipulates that a candidate must be at least 16 years old before being eligible for admission into any Nigerian tertiary institution. This policy was instituted to ensure that students are not only academically ready but also emotionally and psychologically mature enough to cope with university-level education.
However, over the years, cases of highly gifted students who complete secondary education before turning 16 have emerged, sparking calls for exceptions in unique circumstances. This recent development marks a rare recognition of such exceptional academic capability while reinforcing that the policy remains in force for the general public.
How the Screening Was Conducted
According to JAMB’s report, a total of 2,031,133 candidates participated in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Out of these, 41,027 candidates applied for admission under the exceptional consideration category due to being underage.
A rigorous multi-stage screening process was then carried out:
| Stage | Description | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Underage Applicants | Total number of candidates under 16 who applied for consideration | 41,027 |
| Candidates Who Scored Above 80% in UTME | Those shortlisted for possible exceptional admission | 599 |
| Finalists Invited for Screening/Interviews | Shortlisted based on performance and verification | 182 |
| Candidates Finally Cleared for Admission | Those who met all requirements after final review | 85 |
JAMB explained that the entire process was carefully supervised to ensure merit, transparency, and fairness. Candidates were assessed not only on their UTME scores but also on their cognitive maturity, academic records, and the authenticity of their credentials.
JAMB’s Position on the Decision
In its official statement, JAMB clarified that this development does not represent a relaxation of the age requirement policy. Instead, it is a rare and carefully controlled measure designed to reward exceptional brilliance among a very small percentage of candidates.
The board stressed that only those who demonstrated exceptional intellectual maturity and passed all verification stages were approved. It further emphasized that this decision should not be seen as an encouragement for parents or schools to rush students through secondary education or seek shortcuts in the admission process.
JAMB noted that out of the 182 finalists invited for the final stage of evaluation, 85 met the full requirements and were deemed fit for immediate tertiary education admission.
Window for Missed Candidates
For candidates who were among the shortlisted 182 but missed their final screening, JAMB announced a two-day grace period to lodge complaints or complete their verification. They are to submit their cases through the JAMB Support Ticketing System under a new category titled “2025 Underage Complaint.”
Additionally, the board reminded candidates who scored 320 and above in the UTME but failed to upload their O’Level results to do so immediately. Such high-scoring candidates have been given another two-day window to complete the upload process and officially notify JAMB.
Implications for Students, Parents, and Schools
This development carries important lessons for all stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector:
- For Students:
Bright and exceptional young learners can now be motivated to aim higher, knowing that their intellectual achievements can be recognized under special circumstances. - For Parents:
The policy serves as a reminder that while academic excellence is encouraged, early admission should not come at the cost of emotional or social readiness. JAMB’s decision is not an invitation to push children prematurely into higher education, but rather a celebration of extraordinary cases. - For Schools and Educators:
Institutions must ensure that early graduates are genuinely prepared for tertiary studies. Schools are also encouraged to guide parents on realistic expectations regarding the admission age policy.
Why This Matters
The clearance of 85 underage candidates reflects JAMB’s commitment to nurturing excellence while preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s admission system. It demonstrates a balanced approach—rewarding rare brilliance without compromising the general admission standards.
This move may also serve as a model for future educational reforms that seek to support gifted students through tailored programs or specialized early college systems, ensuring that Nigeria continues to identify and develop exceptional intellectual talent.
Possible Policy Outlook
Education experts suggest that JAMB’s decision could influence discussions around flexible educational pathways for gifted children. The board’s ability to identify, test, and verify readiness among underage candidates could form the foundation for a structured early admission framework in the future.
However, this would likely require collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions, and psychological experts to create clear guidelines that protect students’ academic growth and emotional well-being.
