16 varsities yet to submit Post-UTME results for underage candidates – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has said it is still waiting for post-UTME screening results from 16 universities that were directed to submit the scores of underage candidates considered for admission.

JAMB had earlier given 71 universities that processed applications from underage students a deadline of September 15, 2025, to forward the results so their admission processes could be concluded without delay.

Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained that out of the 41,027 underage candidates who took the 2025 UTME, only about 500 scaled through the initial stage of screening.

He also confirmed that four institutions — the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; and Osun State University — officially informed the board they would not admit underage candidates.

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Data obtained showed that 40 affected candidates are tied to the 16 universities yet to comply. The schools are Abia State University (one applicant), Bayelsa Medical University (one), Bingham University, Karu (three), Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi (one), Federal University, Lokoja (two), Kwara State University (four), Lead City University (two), Madonna University (one), McPherson University (two), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (one), Modibbo Adama University (one), Rhema University (one), TopFaith University (one), University of Abuja (12), and University of Calabar (six).

JAMB clarified that only candidates with at least 320 in the UTME, 80 per cent in post-UTME, and 80 per cent (24/30 points) in one sitting of WAEC or NECO would be considered.

The decision followed pressure from parents and stakeholders who argued that many brilliant candidates were losing admission opportunities solely on account of their age.

Currently, the board maintains a minimum age of 16 for entry into higher institutions, in line with the Ministry of Education’s directive.

JAMB said the policy ensures that students admitted are “mentally and psychologically mature enough to cope with the rigours of higher education.”