The Digest:
JAMB introduces stringent new rules for under-16 UTME candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities. With a focus on academic excellence and psychological readiness, the move aims to curb academic abuse and ensure candidates' preparedness for higher education.
Key Points:
- JAMB enforces a 16-year minimum age for university admission, with exceptions for exceptional candidates.
- Under-16 candidates must achieve a minimum UTME score of 320 out of 400 (80%) and post-UTME scores of at least 80%.
- Candidates must achieve 80% in a single sitting of WAEC or NECO.
- No mixing of results from different examination bodies, e.g., WAEC and NECO.
- Science candidates must score high in mathematics, while arts candidates must excel in English.
- Underage candidates will still undergo post-UTME screening, even if the process is suspended for general applicants.
- JAMB sets up a 23-member committee to oversee screenings, with a focus on emotional and psychological readiness.
- New screening also includes psychomotor and affective evaluations to assess readiness beyond academics.
JAMB’s new measures ensure that underage candidates meet high academic and emotional benchmarks before admission into Nigerian universities. The introduction of additional psychological assessments signals a shift towards holistic candidate evaluation.
Sources: JAMB, Vanguard, Premium Times
