Admission Review Panel for Underage Candidates Announced by JAMB

A committee to oversee the admission process for underage candidates has been introduced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The announcement was made on Wednesday by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during the inaugural assembly of the committee members in Bwari, FCT.

Professor Oloyede disclosed that the committee would establish the procedures for identifying ‘specially gifted candidates.’

“These are the 599 underage candidates who achieved scores of 320 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

“The committee will determine the timelines, the necessary actions, and ultimately select the candidates. They will choose exceptionally talented students for admission into tertiary institutions to foster their development,” he stated.

Professor Oloyede further noted that the committee meeting included the virtual participation of Vice Chancellors from Nigerian universities, regulatory agencies, key stakeholders, and educational experts.

He mentioned that by September, those who successfully navigate the selection process from the pool of 599 candidates would be announced.

“Their academic credentials will be assessed, requiring at least an 80 percent score, and for the post-UTME, institutions must submit candidates’ scores by September 16.

“Any candidate scoring below 80 in the post-UTME will be excluded.

“While 16 years is the minimum age for admissions, we aim to select one or two exceptionally bright candidates to encourage their academic pursuits.”