The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates below the age of 16 can be considered for admission into tertiary institutions if they demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This decision follows the recent reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age policy introduced by former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. The current Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has reinstated the previous benchmark of 16 years, a move that has received broad support from education stakeholders.
Background and Rationale
JAMB, the body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has consistently emphasized the importance of maturity and academic readiness for tertiary education. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of candidates below 16 years applying for university admission.
Prof. Oloyede also raised concerns about the role of private universities in admitting underage students, noting that many of these candidates struggle academically, with up to 80% eventually being reassigned to other programs due to poor performance. He criticized the manipulation of birth records by parents who push for early admission for their children, only to later attempt to adjust their ages to meet the eligibility requirements for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
The introduction of a new UTME benchmark for these candidates is seen as a way to ensure that only the most academically prepared individuals are considered for early admission.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The new UTME benchmark has generated mixed reactions from education stakeholders. Some university administrators support the decision, arguing that it will promote academic excellence and discourage premature admission. However, some parents and guardians believe the move is restrictive and may disadvantage exceptionally gifted students.
The New Bench Mark
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that while the general admission age remains 16, exceptional candidates under this age may be considered under strict conditions. That is by scoring at least 80% in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Given that the UTME has a total score of 400, this equates to a minimum score of 320. Additionally, exceptional students must showcase remarkable academic excellence across various evaluations, including the UTME, WASSCE, Post-UTME, and GCE O/Level. He further noted that if a candidate under 16 scores 200 out of 400 in the UTME, they cannot be classified as exceptional. However, if they achieve 320 or higher, that level of excellence deserves consideration.
Implications for Underage Candidates
With the new policy, underage candidates who score below 320 will be required to wait until they meet the minimum age requirement or retake the UTME when they are older. This could impact students who previously gained admission at a younger age with lower scores. The policy may also encourage secondary schools and parents to reconsider the pace at which children are pushed towards university education.
To address this, JAMB has introduced a mock UTME specifically for underage candidates. However, Prof. Oloyede clarified that this mock exam is not intended for tertiary admission but rather to allow underage candidates to assess their academic capabilities. He announced that the sale of forms would commence on January 31 and run until March 5, with the mock exam scheduled for February 23 and the main UTME set for March 8.
This policy aims to balance the enforcement of age requirements with the recognition of exceptional academic talent among younger students.
FAQs on JAMB’s 320 UTME Benchmark for Under-16 Candidates
1. Does this policy affect all UTME candidates?
No, it specifically applies to candidates below the age of 16.
2. Can an under-16 candidate with a score below 320 still get admitted?
No, candidates who do not meet the benchmark will not be considered for admission.
3. What happens if a candidate turns 16 after writing UTME?
If a candidate turns 16 before the admission process is concluded, they may be subject to the standard cut-off marks of their chosen institution.
4. Is this benchmark applicable to all universities?
Yes, the policy applies across all Nigerian universities under JAMB’s regulation.
5. Will this policy change in the future?
JAMB may review this benchmark based on feedback and its impact on university admissions.
Final Thoughts
JAMB’s new 320 UTME benchmark for under-16 candidates is a significant step in regulating university admissions for younger students. While it may present challenges for some, it also ensures that only the most academically prepared candidates enter tertiary institutions at an early age.
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