By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has declared a score benchmark of 320 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates under 16 years of age who wish to gain admission to tertiary institutions. This change comes after the recent restoration of the 16-year minimum age requirement for admission, a move supported by the current Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa.
JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede stated that while the standard age threshold is maintained, exceptional younger candidates who score 80% or above in the UTME may be considered for admission. 
He emphasized the importance of age in relation to maturity and academic development but acknowledged the presence of gifted children who should not be overlooked. Oloyede also expressed concerns about the academic struggles of underage students in private universities and the manipulation of birth records by parents seeking early admissions.
Additionally, the introduction of a mock UTME for younger candidates has been announced, with forms available from January 31 to March 5, and the mock exam scheduled for February 23.
