JAMB sets 320 UTME Score benchmark for under-16 candidates

Currently, the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has restored the prior age benchmark of 16 years, a decision that has received broad support from education sector stakeholders.

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During a recent gathering with significant stakeholders—including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group—JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, indicated that while the standard age requirement remains at 16, exceptionally qualified candidates under this age may be permitted admission under specific conditions.

A transcript from the meeting, featured in JAMB’s bulletin, quoted Oloyede stating: “We are adhering to the law. Age is a vital factor in maturity and educational progress. If age limits were irrelevant, we would not impose them for leadership roles, such as local government chairmanship. Biological age correlates with intellectual development, and while regulations do exist, there should be provisions for exceptions.

“The Education Minister has made it clear that the minimum admission age continues to be 16. Yet, we recognize that some exceptionally talented youngsters exist. We must not ignore these individuals. We should identify them and allow them to take the exams.”

Oloyede stressed that outstanding students must show remarkable academic performance across various assessments, including the UTME, WASSCE, Post-UTME, and GCE O/Level.

“If a candidate younger than 16 obtains a score of 200 out of 400 in the UTME, can they genuinely be deemed exceptional? Conversely, if they attain 80 percent (320/400), that indicates extraordinary capability and deserves consideration,” he remarked.

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However, he expressed worries about the involvement of private universities in accepting underage students, noting that a significant number of these candidates face academic challenges, with as many as 80 percent eventually transferring to other programs because of poor performance.

Oloyede also criticized parents who manipulate birth records in attempts to secure premature admission for their children, only to later seek to adjust their ages for eligibility in the National Youth Service Corps program.

Oloyede clarified that this mock UTME is not intended for university admission but is meant for underage individuals looking to assess their capabilities.

“We will begin selling forms from January 31st to March 5th. The mock exam is scheduled for February 23rd, followed by the UTME on March 8th,” the JAMB Registrar stated.