The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has clarified that candidates below the age of 16 may sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination but will face stricter admission requirements before they can be considered for placement into tertiary institutions.

According to the board, underage candidates will be classified as exceptional applicants and must satisfy special conditions to qualify for admission consideration.

JAMB explained that such candidates are generally not eligible for admission unless they can demonstrate outstanding academic performance.

To be considered, the candidates must score at least 80 per cent in the UTME, Post-UTME and O’Level screening processes.

The board noted that meeting the benchmark does not automatically guarantee admission, as the final decision remains with the institution chosen by the candidate.

JAMB said the clarification was issued to provide a better understanding of the admission process for exceptionally young candidates seeking entry into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The board reiterated its commitment to maintaining standards in the admission process while creating room for exceptionally gifted students to pursue higher education at an earlier age.

It added that institutions retain the authority to determine whether eligible candidates satisfy their specific admission requirements.

The clarification is expected to guide parents, candidates and schools on the conditions under which underage students may be considered for university admission.