In a major development, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reaffirmed its policy that candidates below the age of 18 will not be eligible to sit for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This decision aligns with Nigeria’s educational framework, which sets 18 as the minimum age for university admission.
To ensure that underage students are adequately prepared when they become eligible, JAMB has introduced a UTME Mock Trial for candidates who are not yet 16 years old. The initiative, announced by JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, is designed to help younger students familiarize themselves with the UTME structure, build confidence, and reduce test anxiety. The Mock Trial will prepare them ahead of the actual UTME when they become eligible at age 16.
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Why JAMB Enforced the Age Requirement
The Nigerian Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasized that this policy is not a new introduction but a reinforcement of existing regulations. According to him, the standard academic progression from nursery school to secondary education typically results in students reaching university entry age around 17.5 to 18 years. The decision to uphold this requirement is to maintain educational discipline and standardization across the country.
Implications for Students and Parents
Parents and guardians must now carefully plan their children’s academic journey to ensure they meet the age requirement for UTME registration. Enforcing this rule means students must complete their secondary education within an appropriate timeframe to qualify for university admission. Any exceptions to this policy will likely be considered only for exceptionally gifted students who demonstrate advanced academic competence.
Key Takeaways
- Students below 16 years are ineligible for the 2025 UTME.
- JAMB introduces UTME Mock Trial for underage students to help them prepare ahead of the actual UTME.
- Parents should align their children’s academic timelines with JAMB’s regulations.
- The policy reinforces Nigeria’s existing education framework for university admissions.
As the 2025 UTME registration approaches, JAMB urges all prospective candidates and their guardians to adhere strictly to this requirement. This move aims to ensure a smooth and structured transition for students into tertiary education while upholding national education standards.
Source: Premium Times
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