Faisal Salisu DambattaThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, commonly referred to as JAMB, has recently made a significant decision regarding the admission of a select group of candidates. Specifically, the Board has approved the admission of 85 underage candidates—those who will be under the age of 16 by September 2025. This decision comes after a rigorous and comprehensive screening process that was conducted in accordance with JAMB’s exceptional admission policy, which is designed to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are granted admission into tertiary institutions.
In a detailed statement released by JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, it was confirmed that these 85 candidates were deemed qualified following a meticulous evaluation process. Each candidate has been duly notified and is now expected to proceed to their respective institutions to complete the necessary steps for their admission. This includes printing their individual JAMB admission letters, which are essential for finalizing their enrollment.
JAMB has emphasized that this exceptional admission policy is in line with global best practices. In many educational systems around the world, cases involving underage candidates are treated as rare exceptions rather than the standard procedure. This approach reflects JAMB’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards while also being flexible enough to accommodate exceptional cases when warranted.
During the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a staggering total of 2,031,133 candidates applied for admission. Out of this large pool, 41,027 candidates sought consideration under the special underage category. Among these applicants, 599 candidates achieved impressive scores of at least 80 percent in the UTME. These high achievers were then subjected to further scrutiny, which included a thorough verification of their school certificates as well as an assessment of their performance in the post-UTME examinations.
Following this rigorous evaluation phase, a total of 182 candidates were shortlisted for the final stage, which involved interviews and documentation. After the completion of this comprehensive process, 85 candidates emerged as having met all the required criteria and were subsequently cleared for admission into their chosen institutions.
In addition to this announcement, JAMB has also provided guidance for any of the 182 finalists who, for valid reasons, were unable to attend the final interview. These candidates are encouraged to submit a formal request through the JAMB Support Ticketing System, specifically under the category labeled “2025 Underage Complaint.” The Board has assured that such complaints will be reviewed on an individual basis and treated strictly on their merits, ensuring that all candidates are given a fair opportunity.
Moreover, JAMB has addressed another important issue concerning candidates who scored 320 and above in the UTME but were disqualified due to their failure to upload their O-Level results. In a bid to rectify this situation, the Board has granted these candidates a two-day grace period, which will conclude on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. During this time, they are encouraged to complete the upload of their results and notify the Board through the same ticketing system. This measure is intended to ensure that deserving candidates are not unfairly penalized for administrative oversights.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, transparency, and academic integrity, JAMB has stated that its admission process will continue to uphold the highest standards of credibility. The Board is dedicated to ensuring that the admission process remains inclusive and equitable, thereby fostering an environment that supports the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria. By implementing these policies and procedures, JAMB aims to maintain the integrity of the educational system while also accommodating exceptional cases that may arise. This balanced approach is crucial for nurturing the next generation of scholars and leaders in the country.
