JAMB Explains Underage Admission Requirements for 2026/2027

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has outlined the requirements for candidates below the age of 16 seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.

For the admission cycle, candidates are generally required to be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026. However, JAMB allows exceptionally qualified underage candidates to seek consideration through a special evaluation process.

Who is an underage candidate?

Any candidate who will not be 16 years old by September 30, 2026, is classified as an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise.

Being under 16 does not automatically prevent a candidate from participating in the admission process. However, such candidates must meet additional requirements to qualify for consideration under JAMB’s exceptional candidate provision.

What must an underage candidate score?

JAMB’s 2026 guidelines require underage candidates seeking a waiver to achieve at least 80 per cent in each of the required assessment areas.

These include:

• UTME:At least 80 per cent, equivalent to a score of 320 out of 400.
• O’Level/SSCE:At least 80 per cent in the required assessment, with JAMB’s grading framework putting the minimum at 24 points from five relevant subjects.
• Post-UTME:At least 80 per cent in the institution’s required screening.
• Exceptional candidate assessment:At least 80 per cent.

JAMB had earlier explained that the 80 per cent threshold applies across the relevant components of the exceptional candidate process, rather than being based on an overall average.

What happens after the UTME?

Underage candidates who meet the required UTME threshold may proceed to the next stage of assessment by their chosen institutions.

JAMB said candidates who cross the UTME threshold have their details forwarded to their institutions for further screening. The board has also instructed such candidates to ensure that their O’Level results are uploaded to the JAMB portal.

The process does not end with the UTME score, as candidates must also satisfy the other requirements before they can be considered for the exceptional waiver.

Does scoring 80 per cent guarantee admission?

No.

Meeting the 80 per cent requirement only makes an underage candidate eligible for consideration under the exceptional admission process. It does not guarantee admission.

The candidate must still complete the required assessments and satisfy the admission requirements of the chosen institution.

JAMB has maintained that the general minimum admission age remains 16 years, with admission of younger candidates subject to the exceptional candidate process.

What should underage candidates do?

Candidates below 16 seeking admission should first confirm their date of birth and determine whether they will attain 16 by September 30, 2026.

Those who will remain under 16 should prepare for all the required stages rather than focusing only on the UTME.

They should also:

• Aim for at least 80 per cent in each required assessment.
• Ensure their O’Level results are uploaded to the JAMB portal.
• Follow instructions from their chosen institution regarding further screening.
• Check the institution’s specific admission requirements before proceeding.

JAMB’s policy is designed to identify candidates considered academically exceptional while maintaining the 16-year minimum age requirement for general admission.

Key point for 2026/2027 admission

For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, 16 years by September 30, 2026, remains the general minimum age for admission.

Candidates below 16 may only be considered through JAMB’s exceptional candidate route and must meet the required performance thresholds across the relevant assessments.

The 80 per cent benchmark is therefore a requirement for consideration, not an automatic admission offer.