The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has clarified the age requirement for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
JAMB said candidates seeking admission must be at least 16 years old, in line with the policy approved for the 2026/2027 admission cycle.
The clarification follows growing questions from parents, students and other stakeholders about the eligibility of candidates who are below the prescribed age but have performed well in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
According to JAMB, meeting the required UTME score alone does not automatically qualify an underage candidate for admission.
What the policy means
Under the current admission framework, candidates are expected to attain the minimum age requirement before they can be admitted into tertiary institutions.
JAMB explained that institutions are expected to comply with the approved admission guidelines and should not admit candidates who do not meet the stipulated age requirement.
The board also clarified that the age requirement applies to candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions participating in the centralised admission process.
Exceptions for exceptionally gifted candidates
However, JAMB explained that there is a provision for exceptionally gifted candidates who are below the prescribed age.
Such candidates may be considered under the approved framework, but they must satisfy specific conditions established by the authorities.
The board stressed that simply obtaining a high UTME score does not automatically qualify a candidate for the exemption.
Candidates seeking consideration under the exceptional category may be required to undergo additional assessment or meet other criteria before admission can be approved.
Institutions warned against illegal admissions
JAMB also reiterated that tertiary institutions are expected to adhere strictly to the admission guidelines.
The board warned institutions against admitting candidates outside the approved framework, noting that such admissions could be regarded as irregular.
Candidates and parents were therefore advised to verify admission requirements before proceeding with applications.
The clarification is coming as preparations continue for the 2026/2027 admission exercise, with prospective students expected to complete the necessary requirements before securing admission.
JAMB urged candidates to rely on official information from the board and their chosen institutions rather than unverified claims circulating on social media.
The age requirement is part of the broader admission framework designed to ensure that candidates entering tertiary institutions meet the academic and administrative conditions prescribed for the admission cycle.
