On Wednesday in Abuja, the Federal Government announced that only 108 of the estimated 39,000 under‑age candidates who sat the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) met the rigorous screening requirements for potential admission into tertiary institutions.
The candidates were filtered through a multi‑stage assessment aimed at confirming that exceptionally young applicants possess not only the academic competence but also the psychological, emotional and intellectual maturity needed for university study. The Minister of Education, [Dr Tunji Alausa](https://education.gov.ng), revealed the figures while receiving the two highest‑scoring candidates and six other top‑performing under‑age candidates, an event organised by the Registrar of the [Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)](https://www.jamb.gov.ng), Professor Segun Aina.
**What were the screening criteria?**
Candidates seeking exemption from the statutory minimum admission age of 16 had to achieve a minimum UTME score of 320 out of 400 (80%). They also needed to obtain at least 80% in the post‑UTME examinations, secure an 80% threshold in the assessment of their O’level results, and pass a psychological‑emotional‑intellectual readiness test.
Out of the 2,174,396 examinees who actually sat the 2026 UTME, 2,244,149 had registered. Approximately 39,000 of those were below the age limit. Only 391 under‑age candidates managed the required 320‑point UTME score; subsequent assessments trimmed the pool to the final 108 who qualified for possible admission, representing roughly 0.005% of all examinees.
**Who are the successful candidates?**
The minister described the 108 candidates as “exceptionally gifted” and urged them to view their talents as a societal responsibility rather than merely a personal advantage. The two top scorers were Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin with 372 marks and Enwere Kingsley Ikenna with 370 marks. All eight recognised candidates, including the two highest scorers, received plaques and certificates from the minister.
**Why maintain a minimum age of 16?**
Alausa stressed that the age floor is not intended to block gifted children but to ensure that those admitted early possess the maturity required to cope with university life. He noted that academic performance alone cannot guarantee readiness; emotional stability and the capacity to navigate social and intellectual challenges are equally vital.
**What does this mean for Nigeria’s future?**
Linking the development of prodigious young talent to the nation’s broader prospects, Alausa highlighted Nigeria’s youthful demographic – an estimated 220 million people with an average age of 18.5 years, and about 70% under 30. He argued that proper education and nurturing of such talent are essential for turning the country’s demographic dividend into innovative solutions for national and global challenges.
The minister concluded by congratulating the candidates on behalf of President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) and the Federal Ministry of Education, expressing confidence that their abilities could translate into breakthroughs benefiting millions.