The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has highlighted key requirements for underage candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, including an 80 per cent performance threshold across their O’Level, UTME and Post-UTME results….
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has highlighted key requirements for underage candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, including an 80 per cent performance threshold across their O’Level, UTME and Post-UTME results.
The clarification is important for candidates who are below the stipulated admission age but intend to secure admission during the 2026 exercise.
Here are 10 things underage candidates need to know:
1. Underage candidates face specific admission conditions
Being below the stipulated admission age does not automatically qualify a candidate for admission. JAMB says specific requirements must be met before an underage candidate can be considered.
2. Candidates must meet the 80% threshold
JAMB says underage candidates must achieve the required 80 per cent threshold in their O’Level, UTME and Post-UTME results.
3. O’Level results are part of the requirement
Candidates must meet the required benchmark in their O’Level results as part of the conditions for underage admission.
4. UTME performance matters
Underage candidates must also attain the stipulated 80 per cent threshold in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
5. Post-UTME results count too
Where a candidate’s chosen institution conducts a Post-UTME assessment, performance in the exercise is also part of the requirements highlighted by JAMB.
6. Candidates need strong performance across the board
JAMB’s guidance means underage candidates should pay attention to all three areas — O’Level, UTME and Post-UTME — rather than focusing on only one examination.
7. University requirements may also apply
Candidates should check the admission requirements of their chosen universities because institutions may have additional conditions for admission.
8. Underage candidates should prepare early
JAMB has advised prospective candidates to understand the requirements and prepare accordingly before beginning the admission process.
9. Candidates should rely on official information
Prospective students and their parents or guardians should obtain admission information directly from JAMB and their chosen institutions to avoid relying on unverified claims.
10. Know the benchmark before applying
The key message from JAMB is that underage candidates must meet the required 80 per cent threshold in O’Level, UTME and Post-UTME results to be considered under the specified conditions.
JAMB said: “There are specific requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. This includes achieving the required 80% threshold in your O’Level, UTME and Post-UTME results.”
