Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede announced that such candidates must score at least 320 in UTME, 80% in post-UTME, and 80% in WAEC or NECO in one sitting. They must also pass a dedicated interview.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced stricter criteria for candidates below 16 seeking university admission.
Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede announced that such candidates must score at least 320 in UTME, 80% in post-UTME, and 80% in WAEC or NECO in one sitting. They must also pass a dedicated interview.
“We are not saying no child under 16 will be admitted, but they must pass through a rigorous screening process,” Oloyede said.
He added that combining WAEC and NECO results would not be allowed. A National Committee on Underage Admission has been set up to conduct screenings in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri. A fourth evaluation layer, covering emotional and psychomotor readiness, will also be introduced.
Oloyede confirmed that four universities, including the University of Jos and Air Force Institute of Technology, have rejected underage applicants outright. He blamed societal pressure and poor policy enforcement for the rise in underage admissions.
“This is not about JAMB. It is about the future of our children and the integrity of our education system,” he said.