2026/2027 UTME: Under-16 Jambites Recognised as Future Innovators

Only 108 of the approximately 39,000 candidates under 16 who sat the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) met the requirements for consideration for tertiary admission, following additional academic screening.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed this while addressing the successful candidates in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He described the candidates as gifted students with the potential to develop innovations that could contribute to Nigeria's development.

Breakdown of Under-16 Candidates in the 2026 UTME

According to Alausa, approximately 39,000 candidates below the age of 16 sat the 2026 UTME and only 391 scored at least 320 out of 400 marks. The minister explained that candidates below 16 seeking admission to tertiary institutions were required to achieve at least 80 per cent in the UTME, the Post-UTME and their O'Level examinations. The candidates also underwent additional screening to assess their maturity, psychological readiness and emotional preparedness for university education.

The 108 candidates who qualified met the stated academic and screening requirements. However, qualification for admission consideration does not necessarily mean that they received admission offers from their chosen institutions.

Why Under-16 Candidates Undergo Additional Screening

Nigeria's admission policy generally sets 16 as the minimum age for entry into universities. The additional screening provides a means of identifying exceptionally gifted younger candidates who can demonstrate the academic ability and personal readiness required for higher education.

Alausa urged the successful candidates to look beyond obtaining university certificates and focus on developing practical solutions and innovations that could benefit society.

He also called on institutions admitting the candidates to recognise their exceptional abilities and provide learning environments that support their intellectual development.

Education Minister Highlights Nigeria's Youth Potential

The minister said Nigeria's youthful population presented an opportunity for national development, noting that about 70 per cent of the country's population is below 30 years of age.

He encouraged the candidates to use their educational opportunities to contribute to national growth and global progress.

The students were also presented with awards of honour in recognition of their performance in the 2026 UTME.