ONLY 108 OF 39,000 UNDERAGE UTME CANDIDATES QUALIFY FOR ADMISSION, SAYS ALAUSA

Only 108 out of approximately 39,000 underage candidates who sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have met the requirements to be considered for admission, according to Education Minister Tunji Alausa.

The disclosure has renewed attention on the rules guiding university admission in Nigeria, particularly the minimum age requirements for candidates seeking entry into higher institutions.

The UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), is a major examination used to assess candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions across the country.

While thousands of underage candidates reportedly participated in the examination, Alausa said only 108 met the necessary conditions for admission consideration.

The figures highlight the difference between sitting for a university entrance examination and actually meeting the requirements for admission. Candidates must satisfy the applicable academic and eligibility criteria before they can secure places in tertiary institutions.

The issue of underage admission has continued to attract public interest, with some parents and students supporting opportunities for exceptionally gifted children to enter university early, while others stress the importance of ensuring that candidates are academically and emotionally prepared for higher education.

For parents, the development serves as a reminder that registering a child for UTME does not automatically guarantee eligibility for university admission. Candidates must meet the relevant requirements established by education authorities and their chosen institutions.

The government's position also brings renewed focus to how exceptional cases involving gifted students should be assessed, while maintaining fairness and consistent admission standards.

As discussions continue, prospective students are encouraged to confirm the current admission requirements with JAMB and their preferred institutions before applying.

Ultimately, the figures reported by Alausa underline the importance of meeting all eligibility conditions, rather than relying on examination participation or high expectations alone, when seeking admission into Nigeria's tertiary education system.