JAMB to Screen Over 500 Outstanding Underage Candidates for 2025/2026 Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to conduct special screening for over 500 exceptional underage candidates (under 16 years) who demonstrated outstanding performance in the 2025 UTME examination. This screening process will determine which candidates qualify for university admission despite being below the standard minimum age.

The Numbers Behind the Policy

Out of 41,027 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, only 500+ met JAMB's stringent criteria for further consideration. This means over 40,000 underage candidates did not qualify for the special screening due to insufficient academic performance.

Who Qualifies for Screening

To be among the 500+ candidates invited for screening, underage applicants must have achieved all three thresholds:

• Minimum 320 in UTME (80% of the maximum 400 score)
• 80% score in Post-UTME examination
• 80% average in single-sitting WAEC or NECO (equivalent to 24 out of 30 points)

These requirements ensure that only truly exceptional students receive consideration for underage admission.

The Screening Process

Qualified candidates will undergo a comprehensive three-part assessment scheduled for September 22-26, 2025:

1. Subject-specific tests: Academic examinations tailored to each candidate's proposed course of study
2. Brief oral interviews: Face-to-face evaluation to assess maturity, readiness, and understanding
3. WAEC results verification: Official confirmation of O-level results for shortlisted candidates

Screening Centers and Distribution

The assessment will take place at three approved centers across Nigeria:

• Lagos: 397 candidates (largest group)
• Owerri: 136 candidates
• Abuja: 66 candidates

Candidates will be notified of their specific venue and time through their JAMB profiles.

Universities That Won't Accept Underage Students

Important to note: Four Nigerian universities have opted out of admitting underage candidates regardless of screening outcomes:

• Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna
• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
• University of Jos
• Osun State University

Underage candidates interested in these institutions will need to wait until they meet the standard age requirement.

Understanding JAMB's Underage Policy

JAMB's policy recognizes that while most students benefit from reaching university at the standard minimum age, exceptional cases exist where younger students demonstrate both the academic capability and emotional maturity for tertiary education. The rigorous screening process aims to identify these truly outstanding candidates.

What Parents and Guardians Should Know

• Screening qualification doesn't guarantee admission - universities make final decisions
• Even after passing screening, underage candidates must still meet specific institutional requirements
• Parents should consider whether early university entry is developmentally appropriate for their child
• The screening assesses not just academics but also maturity and readiness

Next Steps for Qualified Candidates

If you're among the 500+ candidates qualified for screening:

1. Check your JAMB profile regularly for screening invitation and venue details
2. Ensure all your WAEC/NECO results are verified and accessible
3. Prepare thoroughly for subject-specific tests in your proposed course area
4. Arrive at your assigned center on time with all required documents

For additional information about the underage screening exercise, visit the official JAMB website or contact JAMB support channels.