JAMB sets 80% score requirement for underage candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified its policy regarding underage candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Under a policy established by the Federal Ministry of Education, an underage candidate is defined as anyone who has not reached the age of 16 by September 30 of the admission year.

While candidates under 16 are permitted to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), they are classified as underage and must meet strict criteria to be considered for admission. To be eligible, these candidates must achieve a score of at least 80 percent in the UTME, post-UTME, and O-level screening.

JAMB noted that meeting these benchmarks does not guarantee admission, as the final decision rests solely with the individual institution. Even if a candidate meets the 80 percent threshold, an institution may still choose not to admit them.