UTME: Only 108 of 39,000 Underage Candidates Clear Government Admission Hurdles

Of about 39,000 candidates under age 16 who sat Nigeria’s 2026 UTME, only 108 met the screening requirements for possible admission to tertiary institutions. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said applicants had to score at least 320 out of 400 in the UTME, earn at least 80% in post-UTME exams and the assessment of their O-level results, and pass an evaluation of their readiness for university. A total of 391 underage candidates reached the 320-point UTME threshold before further screening. Alausa said the minimum age of 16 is intended to ensure students have the maturity needed for university, not to block exceptionally gifted candidates.