JAMB Age Limit In Nigeria For 2025/2026

Last updated on February 13th, 2025 at 07:04 am

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. Only students who will be 16 years before the 30th of September, 2025 will be allowed to register for 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.

But 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?

To those who are currently 14, 15, or even less, you can still register for JAMB, provided you are exceptionally brilliant. But before you will be considered for admission, you must score at least 80%(320) in your UTME. JAMB introduced this update in January 2025, and according to them, candidates like this will need to also fill the indemnity form during registration.

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 trying to do funny things like changing their date of birth and all just so they can meet up with the 16 years minimum age requirement but that’s not the right thing to do.

It’s very simple, if you won’t be up to 16 years old before the 30th of September, 2025, you can still register for JAMB only if you are exceptionally brilliant which will need you to fill an indemnity form during registration. Else, you will just have to wait till you reach the minimum age.

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 this topic.

FAQs

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 30th Of September, 2025 will be able to register for JAMB. Do you have any questions or contributions concerning this age limit? Kindly drop them in the comment section below.