The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has screened 176 outstanding underage candidates who excelled in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), amid renewed discussions by the National Assembly on reviewing the existing admission age policy.
The screening, held simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri, was aimed at assessing the readiness and exceptional abilities of candidates below 16 years seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session. The process included a written examination followed by an interview session to evaluate the candidates’ competence and maturity.
Speaking during the exercise in Abuja, Chairman of the Centre, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, commended the smooth conduct of the screening and expressed satisfaction with the candidates’ performance. He explained that the assessment involved multiple stages, including a written test and face-to-face interaction with the candidates.
A total of 22 candidates participated at the Abuja Centre, while 176 candidates were screened nationwide.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, who monitored the exercise, applauded JAMB for creating a platform that encourages young academic talents. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s education reform initiatives, noting that such efforts align with national development goals.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji, lauded the exceptional performance of the young candidates, describing them as symbols of Nigeria’s growing academic competitiveness in Africa.
Oforji also disclosed that the House Committee plans to review the controversial admission age policy to better accommodate gifted underage students, while reiterating the legislature’s commitment to supporting JAMB and other examination bodies in carrying out their mandates effectively.
The screening exercise, according to officials, underscores JAMB’s resolve to promote merit and excellence while ensuring that all candidates—regardless of age—are given fair opportunities to showcase their intellectual potential.
