The exercise represents JAMB’s commitment to recognizing and fostering exceptional talent while ensuring that only candidates with the requisite maturity and academic readiness gain entry into Nigeria’s higher education system. The process was meticulously organized, involving multiple stages of evaluation to ascertain the candidates’ intellectual capabilities, emotional maturity, and readiness for the rigors of tertiary education. By providing a platform for these young scholars, JAMB seeks to harness their potential to contribute meaningfully to national development.
In Abuja, the screening was overseen by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a former Minister of Sports and the Chairman of the Abuja Screening Centre. Prof. Adedoja expressed his satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise, emphasizing the professionalism of the team of experts assembled by JAMB to handle the process. He detailed the multi-tiered evaluation process, which was designed to thoroughly assess the candidates’ abilities. “The candidates first completed a written test, which lasted approximately 20 minutes. Once the papers were marked, they advanced to the second and third sessions, culminating in a face-to-face interview,” Adedoja explained. This rigorous approach ensured that the candidates were evaluated not only on their academic prowess but also on their ability to articulate their thoughts and demonstrate readiness for university-level education.
Adedoja further noted that 22 candidates participated at the Abuja center, forming part of the 176 screened nationwide. He assured stakeholders that the results of the screening would be announced by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, at a later date, maintaining transparency in the process. The involvement of high-caliber professionals and adherence to strict guidelines underscored JAMB’s commitment to fairness and merit in the selection process.
The screening exercise also garnered praise from prominent figures in Nigeria’s educational and political spheres. Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, lauded JAMB for creating an opportunity for underage candidates to showcase their exceptional abilities. He highlighted the importance of the screening in identifying young talents who are not only academically gifted but also mature enough to thrive in a university environment. “By providing leverage to underage candidates based on their ability to excel in these exams, JAMB is fostering a system that rewards merit. However, assessing their maturity and focus is critical, as admitting unprepared students could be counterproductive,” Dandutse remarked. He emphasized that this initiative would help identify individuals capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s development.
Senator Dandutse also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s education policies, which prioritize access to quality education and the promotion of academic excellence. He commended JAMB for its consistent efforts to maintain transparency and integrity in its examination processes, noting that the organization’s work continues to set a high standard for educational assessments in Nigeria.
At the Owerri screening center, Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, the Chairman of the screening panel and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), reported that 38 out of the 43 shortlisted candidates participated. The Owerri center catered to candidates from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones, ensuring regional representation in the evaluation process. Prof. Okwelle expressed satisfaction with the candidates’ conduct and reiterated that the screening adhered strictly to JAMB’s guidelines. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a standardized and fair process to ensure that only the most deserving candidates progressed to the next stage of consideration for university admission.
The screening exercise also received commendation from Hon. Oboku Oforji, the Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, who monitored the process. Oforji praised the exceptional performance of the underage candidates, describing their achievements as a testament to Nigeria’s growing competitiveness in education across the African continent. “The fact that these young students have performed so exceptionally well demonstrates the progress Nigeria has made in education. We are proud of JAMB’s efforts and urge them to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence,” he stated. Oforji’s remarks underscored the broader implications of the screening exercise, positioning Nigeria as a hub for academic talent in the region.
In Nigeria, the official age for university admission is set at 18, but the national education policy permits exceptions for candidates aged 16 and above who demonstrate exceptional academic ability. The screening of underage candidates is a deliberate effort by JAMB to accommodate these prodigies while ensuring that they meet stringent benchmarks for admission. According to JAMB’s records, a total of 41,027 candidates applied under the “exceptionally brilliant underage” category for the 2025 UTME. Of these, 599 scored 80 percent or higher, but only 176 met the additional requirements, including outstanding O-Level and Post-UTME results, to qualify for the final screening.
The screening panels were composed of distinguished representatives from key educational bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), vice-chancellors of various universities, and officials from the Gifted Education Programme. This diverse and highly qualified panel ensured that the evaluation process was robust, transparent, and aligned with national educational standards. Their involvement also highlighted the collaborative effort between JAMB and other stakeholders in the education sector to nurture Nigeria’s brightest young minds.
The screening exercise is part of JAMB’s broader mission to promote academic excellence and provide opportunities for gifted students to excel. By identifying and supporting underage candidates who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability, JAMB is contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy in Nigeria. The organization’s emphasis on transparency, fairness, and meritocracy has earned it widespread acclaim, and this initiative further solidifies its reputation as a leader in educational assessment.
The success of the 176 candidates who participated in the screening exercise is a reflection of Nigeria’s potential to produce world-class talent. These young scholars, drawn from various regions of the country, represent the future of Nigeria’s academic and professional landscape. Their ability to excel in a highly competitive examination like the UTME at such a young age is a source of national pride and a reminder of the importance of investing in education.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of developing its education sector, initiatives like JAMB’s screening of exceptionally brilliant underage candidates serve as a beacon of hope. By providing a platform for these young talents to shine, JAMB is not only fostering individual success but also contributing to the nation’s long-term development goals. The results of the screening, to be announced by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, are eagerly awaited by stakeholders, as they will determine which of these young prodigies will gain admission to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session.
In conclusion, JAMB’s screening of 176 underage candidates who excelled in the 2025 UTME is a testament to the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting academic excellence. The rigorous evaluation process, overseen by distinguished professionals and aligned with national guidelines, ensures that only the most deserving candidates progress. The praise from political and educational leaders highlights the significance of this initiative in positioning Nigeria as a leader in education across Africa. As the nation awaits the results of the screening, there is optimism that these young scholars will go on to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, both academically and beyond.
