JAMB Launches Mock UTME for Underage Candidates, Establishes 16-Year Minimum Age for Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates below the age of 16.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced the development on Sunday during a meeting with media executives in Lagos.

He clarified that the mock UTME is not intended for university admission but to give underage candidates the experience of computer-based testing (CBT).

“The mock trial examination is for those below 16 years who wish to test their ability but do not qualify for admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education,” Oloyede said.

He emphasized that JAMB will strictly enforce the age limit of 16 years for this year’s UTME registration.

Key Dates for 2025 UTME

• Sale of UTME forms: January 31 to March 5, 2025
• Mock UTME for registered candidates: February 23, 2025
• Main UTME: March 8, 2025

Oloyede further noted that individuals under 16 who wish to gain CBT experience without seeking admission can register for a trial-only mock test.

Breaking Down the Fees

• UTME with mock: ₦8,200
• UTME only: ₦7,200
• Mock trial for underage candidates or CBT testing: ₦5,700
• Direct Entry candidates: ₦5,700

Oloyede reiterated that candidates must be at least 16 years old on or before September 30 to qualify for admission. He noted that exceptions would only be made for “gifted candidates” under the age of 15 who meet stringent criteria, including scoring 280 or higher in the UTME and excelling in secondary school and post-UTME exams.

“The policy meeting on admissions adopted 16 years as the minimum age for 2024 admissions. Despite extending the registration period to accommodate more candidates, JAMB was taken to court to reverse any extensions beyond the age limit,” he explained.

The issue of age limits for tertiary institution admission has been a contentious topic. Last year, then-Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced an 18-year minimum age requirement, sparking widespread criticism.

In response to public outcry, Mamman’s successor, Dr. Tunji Alausa, suspended the 18-year benchmark in November 2024.

This decision allowed JAMB to retain its existing 16-year minimum age requirement while introducing initiatives like the mock trial test to accommodate underage candidates.