The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has named 16 universities that failed to meet the September 15, 2025, deadline for the submission of post-UTME) screening results for underage candidates.
JAMB had earlier directed 71 universities that received applications from underage candidates to submit their post-UTME results promptly to enable the speedy processing of admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session.
However, recent data showed that some institutions defaulted despite repeated reminders.
According to the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, a total of 41,027 underage candidates sat for the 2025 UTME, but only about 500 scaled through the initial screening exercise.
He stressed that the board would not compromise on standards, even as it considers appeals from parents and stakeholders.
The affected universities include 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 disclosed that in total, 40 underage candidates were affected by the delay in the release of results by the defaulting universities.
The board added that consideration would only be given to candidates who met its strict merit-based criteria.
The criteria include scoring at least 320 in the UTME, securing a minimum of 80 per cent in post-UTME, and obtaining 80 per cent (24/30 points) in a single sitting of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examination Council (NECO) exams.
Meanwhile, four institutions; the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; and Osun State University formally notified JAMB that they would not admit underage candidates under any circumstances.
The decision to enforce stricter measures followed widespread complaints by parents and stakeholders that several high-performing candidates were being denied admission solely based on age.
Prof. Oloyede noted that while the concerns were valid, the minimum entry age was a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education aimed at safeguarding the mental and psychological readiness of students.
Currently, JAMB enforces a 16-year minimum entry age into tertiary institutions across the country. The policy, the board said, is intended to ensure that admitted candidates are mature enough to cope with the academic and social demands of higher education.
Prof. Oloyede reiterated JAMB’s commitment to fairness and merit in the admission process while urging universities yet to comply with the directive to immediately submit their results to avoid further disruption in the admission calendar.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
