The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has inaugurated a panel to screen underage candidates who scored exceptionally high in this year’s UTME. The goal is to identify and support gifted students while still upholding academic and legal standards for admission.
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, revealed this during the committee’s inaugural session held in Bwari, Abuja, on Wednesday.
“We have 599 underage candidates who scored 320 and above,” Oloyede said. “This panel will determine who among them qualifies as exceptionally gifted. The aim is to encourage talent without compromising the education system.”
The committee includes representatives from universities, education regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. Many participated virtually during the meeting.
Oloyede explained that the panel would work between now and September to assess candidates based on their school records and post-UTME results.
“They must have at least 80 per cent in their school certificates,” he said. “And the institutions involved must submit post-UTME scores before 16 September. Any candidate who scores below 80 will not be considered.”
The panel will hold sessions in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri to complete the screening process.
While highlighting the importance of recognising brilliance, the registrar cautioned parents against pushing their children into university too early.
“Sixteen years remains the minimum age for admission,” he said. “Even if a child is bright, they still need time to develop emotionally and socially. Rushing them into adulthood does more harm than good.”
He also warned against bribery and unethical practices aimed at forcing admission for underage candidates.
“We are building a system based on fairness and integrity. Introducing children to corruption at that age is a betrayal,” he said.
Oloyede assured that the final list of selected candidates would be made public, and that the process would be transparent.
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