"JAMB reaffirms the 16-year age limit for all candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions."
As part of its commitment to maintaining order in the Nigerian education sector, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed queries regarding the admission status of underage candidates. The Board has explicitly stated that the minimum age requirement for any student seeking entry into a tertiary institution remains sixteen (16) years. This policy is non-negotiable and applies to all candidates, regardless of their performance in the 2026 UTME.
The Board noted that while underage candidates might have been permitted to write the examination under special circumstances, their results are subject to a comprehensive evaluation process before any admission status can be finalized. The Registrar emphasized that age integrity is a crucial aspect of the national admission policy, aimed at ensuring that students are emotionally and psychologically prepared for higher education.
Parents and guardians are cautioned against pressuring institutions to accept underage students. JAMB is currently reviewing all records of candidates who fall below the age threshold to ensure compliance. The board remains committed to transparency and will provide updates on how these specific cases are handled once the full evaluation process is concluded. Students are advised to focus on their academic preparedness and wait for official instructions from the board regarding their admission eligibility.
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