🇳🇬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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