As we all know, JAMB is an important examination all students need to write before gaining admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. As of now, students have started making necessary preparations like generation of profile codes and more for the 2025/2026 UTME examination.
We also see students asking different questions concerning the forthcoming 2025/2026 UTME exam, of which JAMB Age Limit is among them. Does JAMB have an age limit? Yes, they do. JAMB has a minimum age all candidates must pass before he/she can be allowed to register. Now let’s discuss that.
JAMB Age Limit For 2025/2026
The minimum age limit for the 2025/2026 UTME examination is 16 years. This simply means that only students who are 16 years will be allowed to write the UTME examination and will also be eligible for admission.
I know most of you are thinking it’s actually 18. The age limit was 16 before; it was changed to 18 by the old minister of education until the new minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, changed it back to 16. Let’s talk more about the change.
More Info About The JAMB Age Limit Changes
Before, candidates were allowed to sit for JAMB if they were up to 16 years old, as that was the previous age limit. In fact, we even see some students who are 15 years old sitting for the exam and still gain admission into private universities and others.
But this age limit was altered by the former minister of education, Tahir Mamman. According to him, the new age limit was set because they want students to be more mature, and this was the best way to prepare them for the challenges they will be facing when they get to the university.
Get the Guidance You Need to Secure Your Admission!
322 students have booked our one-on-one educational consultation service, and 201 have already been offered admission! We helped them identify what was delaying their admission, guided them on what to do next, and answered all their questions. 134 have resumed their studies, and the rest are waiting for resumption.
We deliver as we say – Book us now and let us identify what's delaying your admission too!
Book Your Consultation NowBut we all know that most students now complete their senior secondary school education at 16 years, and the next thing they will start preparing for is JAMB. How about people like these? They further proved their points, saying students were supposed to start primary school at the age of 6, and following this age, a student will eventually complete his/her secondary school education at 18 years, then he/she can take JAMB.
Even with all these reasons, most students didn’t find it funny, as they would have to wait for an extra year or two before sitting for the exam. Because of this, they filled several court cases as students were pressuring them.
But thanks to the new minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who changed that age limit back from 18 to 16 years. This change was made on the 4th of November, 2024, and this means that candidates who will be 16 by next year can sit for JAMB and also apply for admission.
So in essence, it was 16 initially until it was changed to 18. But presently, it was reverted back to 16 years with the help of the new minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
What Will Happen To Those Who Are 14 or 15 And Are Planning To Write JAMB 2025/2026?
If you are currently 14, 15 years old or less, you have no other choice than to wait till you turn 16 before you can sit for JAMB because of their new age limit. But if you will be 16 years old before your school admission process closes, you can sit for UTME and will also be eligible for admission.
Is There A Way To Bypass JAMB Age Limit And Sit For The Exam?
If the age limit is 16, then you can’t bypass that. I am sure once the time for the exam draws closer you will see some people saying they can help you make this possible, but the actual truth is that they can’t. Most of them will likely be scammers who will end up collecting a huge amount of money from you.
And besides, why stress it? Let’s just imagine you eventually bypassed it and you sit for the exam. How will you gain admission into a higher institution when their age limit is also 16? Not just that, you will also face different complications, and if you are caught, all your efforts will be wasted, and they might take legal action against you.
So the best thing to do now is to wait till you turn 16. I know most of you aren’t even up to 15 years talkless of 16 and are not comfortable with this new development, but you just have to take it that way.
I think that is all you need to know concerning the JAMB minimum age, but before I conclude this article, let’s answer some frequently asked questions on the JAMB age limit.
FAQ’s
What If I Will Be Turning 16 By June Or April In 2025, Can I Take JAMB?
Yes, you can. You can only take JAMB if you will be 16 before your school admission process ends.
What Is the JAMB Age Limit for 2025/2026?
The JAMB age limit for 2025/2026 is 16 years. It was 18 years but was reverted back to 16 by the new minister of education.
Why Did JAMB Change The Minimum Age Limit Before?
According to JAMB, this was their only way to be sure students are mature and ready for higher institution challenges.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, candidates who will be turning 16 years old by 31st Of August, 2025 will be able to sit for the exam. Do you have any questions or contributions concerning this age limit? Kindly drop them in the comment section below.
I will be turning 16 by April, 2026. Can I take 2025/2026 JAMB
Thank you for your response. Yes, you can.
I will be sixteen in September 24 next year can i take jamb
Thanks for your response. Yes, you can take JAMB. But before you can gain admission, you must be 16 years old before your school admission process closes.