The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that 85 underage candidates have successfully completed its rigorous screening process for exceptional admission into various tertiary institutions across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Board’s Head of Media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB said the candidates, all of whom were younger than 16 years as of September 2025, met the stringent criteria set for early admission following a multi-stage evaluation process designed to test their academic maturity and readiness for higher education.
According to the statement, the special screening was conducted in line with JAMB’s policy that generally restricts admission to candidates aged 16 and above, except in exceptional cases where applicants demonstrate outstanding intellectual capacity and emotional readiness for tertiary education.
>After a careful and comprehensive evaluation, 85 candidates were found qualified for exceptional admission based on their intellectual ability, emotional stability, and academic achievements,” Dr. Benjamin said.
He explained that the process involved multiple assessments, including academic performance reviews, psychological evaluations, and validation of educational records to ensure that only deserving candidates were approved.
Dr. Benjamin added that the initiative reflects JAMB’s recognition of gifted and exceptionally talented students, ensuring that age does not become an obstacle to nurturing academic excellence and innovation.
He further disclosed that JAMB would continue to collaborate with universities and other tertiary institutions to provide structured academic support and mentoring programs for the admitted young scholars.
These candidates represent the next generation of innovators and thinkers who have demonstrated unusual intellectual promise. The Board remains committed to providing them with the right environment to thrive,” the statement added.
JAMB also urged parents and guardians of the admitted candidates to provide emotional and academic support to help the students adjust to university life, noting that early entrants often face challenges that require special guidance.
The development marks another milestone in JAMB’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and excellence within Nigeria’s educational system, ensuring that exceptional talents are given the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of age.
