The [Federal Government](https://www.gov.ng) announced that only 108 of an estimated 39,000 under‑age candidates who attempted the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) satisfied the rigorous standards required for potential admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, according to statements made on Wednesday in Abuja.
**Key facts**
- A total of 2,244,149 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, with 2,174,396 actually sitting the exam.
- About 39,000 examinees were below the statutory minimum admission age of 16 years.
- To qualify for exemption, under‑age candidates needed a minimum UTME score of 320/400 and at least 80 % in their post‑UTME assessments.
- Only 391 under‑age candidates achieved the 320‑point threshold, and after further scrutiny, 108 were deemed eligible.
- The minister praised the successful candidates as “the geniuses in our society,” urging them to apply their talents toward national development.
What criteria must under‑age candidates meet?
The [Minister of Education](https://education.gov.ng) Dr Tunji Alausa explained that exemption from the age rule requires candidates to fulfil both academic and maturity benchmarks. Academically, they must score a minimum of 320 out of 400 in the UTME and obtain at least 80 % in the post‑UTME examinations. Additionally, they must achieve a minimum of 80 % in their O’Level results – equivalent to 24 out of 30 points – in a single sitting, with no combination of WAEC and NECO results allowed. Subject prerequisites for the intended course of study also apply.
How are the candidates evaluated beyond the exam scores?
Applicants who clear the initial score thresholds are referred to the [National Committee on Underage Admission](https://jamb.gov.ng/underage- admission). This body conducts a comprehensive assessment of each candidate’s psychological, emotional, and intellectual readiness for university study, operating outside the standard Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
Who were the top performers among the under‑age group?
Among the 108 approved candidates, Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin recorded the highest UTME score of 372, while Enwere Kingsley Ikenna followed closely with 370. All eight distinguished candidates received plaques and certificates from the minister during the ceremony.
Dr Alausa emphasized that the minimum age policy is not intended to block gifted youngsters from higher education, but rather to ensure that they possess the maturity needed for university life. He noted that officials were impressed by the candidates’ confidence, intellectual ability, and responses during the screening process. The minister concluded by congratulating the successful candidates on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education, urging them to channel their abilities into innovative solutions for Nigeria’s challenges.