Only 108 underage UTME candidates meet admission requirements

Only 108 of about 39,000 candidates below the age of sixteen who sat the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination have met the admission requirements. The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, shared this update in Abuja while honouring top candidates presented by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Segun Aina. A total of 2,244,149 candidates registered for the examination, and 2,174,396 candidates sat the test. Around 39,000 of them were under the age of sixteen.

Underage candidates who wanted consideration for admission needed to score at least 320 in the UTME. They also had to score at least 80 per cent in post-UTME exams, meet O level assessment thresholds, and pass a maturity screening. Only 391 underage candidates reached the initial UTME score of 320, and further checks left just 108 successful candidates. The minister stated that the minimum admission age of sixteen ensures students have the emotional stability and maturity for university life.

During the event, Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin was recognised as the overall best candidate with 372 marks. Enwere Kingsley Ikenna came second with 370 marks. Eight candidates received plaques and certificates from the minister.