For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions, effective 30 September 2026. Candidates who will not have reached 16 by that date are classified as underage but may still be considered under an exceptional waiver process. To qualify, such candidates must score at least 80% in each of four components: UTME, A'Level or SSCE (O'Level), Post-UTME (PUTME), and an exceptional candidate assessment.
Meeting the 80% threshold does not guarantee admission; it only makes the candidate eligible for further evaluation. JAMB will not release UTME results for underage candidates until they complete the full assessment process. Candidates who meet the UTME benchmark will have their details forwarded to their chosen institutions for additional screening. JAMB has directed all underage applicants to upload their O'Level results to the JAMB portal as part of the requirements.
The board emphasized that the standard minimum age of 16 remains unchanged, and the waiver is not automatic. Even with high scores, candidates must go through institutional admission procedures. A candidate aged 15 by 30 September 2026 who scores 82% in UTME, 85% in O'Level, 81% in Post-UTME, and 80% in the exceptional assessment meets the criteria for consideration but is not assured admission.
Underage candidates now face a higher academic bar just to qualify for admission consideration, not guaranteed placement. They must prepare for multiple assessments and ensure all results are uploaded promptly to avoid disqualification.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
