In a bid to promote excellence and fairness in the education system, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cleared 85 underage candidates for what it calls “exceptional admission” into Nigerian universities. These candidates, all under 16 years old as of September 2025, did not just pass an examination — they underwent one of the most challenging academic screening exercises in the country.
It all started with over 2 million candidates who took the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). From this large pool, 41,027 students applied under the special category for exceptionally brilliant underage candidates. However, according to JAMB, intelligence alone was not enough to qualify. Out of this group, only 599 candidates were able to score at least 80 per cent in the UTME—the first step in the lengthy process.
From there, the real work began. These top scorers faced document verification, Post-UTME screening, and oral interviews before a panel. The idea, JAMB said, was to test not only their intelligence but also their maturity, emotional readiness, and ability to cope with university life. After several rounds of evaluation, only 85 candidates were finally cleared for admission — that is, fewer than one in every 25 who applied under this category.
Education experts say JAMB’s approach aligns with international standards. In countries like the UK and the US, young geniuses are sometimes given early admission too, but only after careful checks to confirm they can handle the pressure of university life. “It is not just about how high you score,” one analyst said. “It is about producing well-rounded young people who can thrive in an adult learning environment.”
JAMB’s Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin, explained that the policy was never meant to make underage admission a norm. “This initiative simply recognises rare cases where talent and readiness meet,” he said, adding that the process is consistent with global best practices.
Even so, the exercise has stirred debate over whether age should still be a barrier to higher education. Some Nigerians believe that young geniuses should be encouraged to move ahead. In contrast, others argue that early university entry could have a negative impact on a child’s emotional and social development.
Regardless of one’s stance on the argument, JAMB’s latest move signals a demonstration of renewed commitment to rewarding brilliance and ensuring that only the best candidates progress. As the 85 cleared candidates prepare to embark on their university journey, one thing is clear — in today’s Nigeria, talent must be demonstrated through discipline, diligence, and readiness for the future.
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