🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
JAMB begins screening of underage UTME candidates with scores above 320
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB has initiated the screening process for underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME. These candidates have received messages inviting them to the next stage of assessment at their chosen institutions. JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed this development, stating that the candidates' details have been forwarded to their institutions for admission processing and subsequent screening. This policy is part of JAMB's exceptional candidate provision for highly gifted underage applicants who are below the minimum admission age of 16 years. To be considered for admission under this provision, underage candidates must achieve a minimum score of 320 in the UTME and at least 80 percent in subsequent screening processes. The board had previously withheld the results of underage candidates, displaying "No Result Yet" notifications. Benjamin clarified that only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, are generally eligible for the UTME, with exceptions falling under the special or exceptional candidate policy. This policy, endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, aims to ensure students possess the necessary maturity for tertiary education.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to return to boxing on July 25 for a warm-up fight against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event, part of an 'Esports World Cup', will be broadcast live on DAZN. This marks Joshua's first fight since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December and his subsequent involvement in a car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two friends and left Joshua with minor injuries. Joshua has signed a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which includes a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later in the year. Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed the signing, stating, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed." Joshua expressed his delight at the multi-fight deal, stating he has taken time to consolidate and rebuild and is looking forward to competing and picking up where he left off.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced his endorsement of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat to members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders. Members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, were also present. Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision by stakeholders, highlighting Hamzat's experience, integrity, loyalty, and commitment over their seven years of working together. He stated that Hamzat is prepared and capable of leading the state, describing him as a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are. The governor also acknowledged President Bola's role in their political journey. Sanwo-Olu characterized the meeting as a consultative process that resulted in broad agreement among stakeholders, signaling an early alignment within the All Progressives Congress in Lagos ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Voting for the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards AMVCA has officially closed, with the winners scheduled to be announced on May 9. Africa Magic expressed gratitude to viewers for their participation in the audience categories. The ceremony will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels, with the red carpet starting at 4:00 p.m. WAT and the main awards show at 7:00 p.m. WAT. The 2026 edition includes 32 categories, comprising 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and three special honors such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards. Veteran actress Joke Silva is serving as Head Judge for this year's edition. Two new categories, Best Indigenous Language Film North Africa and Best Indigenous Language Film Central Africa, were introduced to enhance continental representation. Nominees include prominent figures like Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, and Bisola Aiyeola. With voting concluded, focus now shifts to the awards night, where winners in film, television, and digital content will be revealed.
A man has described an incident where Nigeria Police Force operatives raided a shop and harassed customers, as captured in a viral video shared on X. The man stated that the officers did not provide reasons for their actions, which he characterized as a "random raid." He claimed that attempts to engage with the officers were met with intimidation and bullying, and that the shop owner was slapped without provocation. The man questioned why police were not addressing issues like banditry but instead targeted innocent citizens, seeking to exploit them. He also highlighted that one individual was singled out for questioning simply because he worked in a hotel. The man emphasized that citizens should be informed of the reasons for any arrest and their destination, especially given the current insecurity. This incident contributes to ongoing concerns regarding police conduct, with previous reports of officers being sanctioned for citizen harassment.