The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this during the inaugural committee meeting held in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory. According to him, the committee is saddled with the responsibility of determining suitable modalities for identifying and selecting deserving candidates from a pool of 599 underage applicants.
“These are candidates below the official minimum age of 16, but who have shown exceptional academic prowess,” Prof. Oloyede stated. “The committee will determine timelines, procedures, and final selection criteria to admit only those who are truly outstanding, with the aim of encouraging academic excellence.”
The inaugural meeting had the virtual participation of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities, officials of regulatory agencies, education experts, and other critical stakeholders.
Professor Oloyede revealed that the committee
had resolved to complete the screening and selection process between now and September, after which successful candidates will be announced. Key benchmarks will include the candidate’s school certificate results — where an 80% minimum is required — and post-UTME scores submitted by institutions no later than 16 September.“Any candidate who scores below 80 in the post-UTME is automatically disqualified,” he affirmed.
The panel is expected to sit in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri during the review period.
While underscoring the need to nurture talent, Oloyede warned parents against the rush to push children into higher institutions before they are emotionally and socially mature. He stressed that the developmental needs of children should not be sacrificed on the altar of academic acceleration.
He also condemned the practice of using bribes or connections to secure admission, saying it sets a dangerous precedent and exposes the younger generation to unethical behaviour.
“We will ensure a fair, transparent, and rigorous process due to the calibre of committee members involved,” the JAMB boss concluded.
