Education
JAMB introduces new mock UTME to support underage candidates but faces criticism for frustrating aspiring students
DDM News

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recently introduced a mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for underage candidates.
However, this initiative has sparked mixed reactions.
While some view it as a positive step toward providing aspiring students with an early experience of computer-based testing (CBT), others argue that it is not enough to resolve the challenges faced by many Nigerians who are determined to pursue higher education but are unable to do so due to JAMB’s strict age policies.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced the introduction of the mock UTME on Sunday during a meeting with media executives in Lagos.
According to Oloyede, the mock examination is designed for candidates under the age of 16 who want to test their abilities but are not yet eligible for university admission.
He explained that the mock trial exam is not meant for university admission purposes but to give younger candidates an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the computer-based testing process.
The initiative is primarily aimed at helping them gain valuable experience before they are eligible to sit for the actual UTME at the age of 16.
JAMB has been at the center of controversy for several years due to its rigid age limit policy.
This issue has led to frustration among many Nigerian youths who are eager to enter university but find themselves caught in a system that sets age limits that do not always align with their aspirations.
In the past, many young students have expressed their disappointment at being denied the chance to pursue their academic dreams simply because they did not meet the age requirements for UTME registration.
For this year’s UTME, JAMB has set 16 years as the minimum age for candidates, which has caused further frustration for underage candidates who have long desired to continue their education.
Prof. Oloyede reiterated this age limit during his announcement, emphasizing that JAMB would strictly enforce this policy.
He mentioned that candidates must be at least 16 years old on or before September 30 to qualify for admission.
Although there will be exceptions for “gifted candidates” under the age of 15 who meet stringent criteria, including scoring a high score on the UTME and excelling in secondary school and post-UTME exams, this policy has been a significant point of contention.
The frustration among aspiring students stems from the fact that many of them have been left in limbo, unable to take the UTME simply because they are younger than the required age.
These students have often found themselves caught in a difficult position where they have outgrown the educational system due to age limits, despite their desire to attend university.
Many of them have struggled to find alternative pathways to higher education, as they are not eligible for admission into tertiary institutions, even though they meet all other academic requirements.
JAMB’s mock UTME, which is intended to help underage candidates gain experience, costs ₦5,700 for those only interested in taking the CBT trial.
However, the board’s decision to offer a mock exam has failed to fully address the concerns of many Nigerians who feel that the age restriction is limiting their access to education.
While the mock UTME provides an opportunity to get familiar with the examination process, it does not change the fact that these candidates will still have to wait until they turn 16 before they can sit for the actual UTME and gain admission into a tertiary institution.
The UTME system, despite its success in some areas, has continuously drawn criticism for its inability to provide a fair opportunity for all Nigerian students.
With many youths facing economic hardships, this strict age policy has compounded the issue, further hindering the ability of young Nigerians to pursue higher education.
It is not uncommon for students to take a gap year or more, sometimes due to personal or financial challenges, only to find themselves caught in the age trap when they are finally ready to take the UTME.
Many Nigerians who had been looking forward to attending university have seen their dreams deferred by JAMB’s strict age limitations.
This has led to frustration, and some have even questioned the rationale behind the policy.
While the introduction of the mock UTME trial is seen as a positive step for those who are underage and want to familiarize themselves with the examination process, it is not enough to address the broader issue of the age restrictions that prevent thousands of talented students from entering university in the first place.
The fees for the UTME have also added to the growing frustration.
For candidates who wish to take the UTME with the mock exam, the cost is ₦8,200, while taking the UTME alone costs ₦7,200.
With financial burdens already placing a strain on many families, the added cost of taking the mock exam is seen as another barrier to access for some students.
JAMB’s decision to implement these policies comes in the wake of previous controversial statements about the age requirements for university admission.
Last year, former Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman had introduced an 18-year minimum age for admission, which sparked widespread backlash.
In response to public criticism, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Mamman’s successor, suspended the 18-year age requirement, reaffirming the 16-year age limit for JAMB’s admissions process.
While this move provided some relief, many students still feel that the system does not take into account their unique circumstances and educational aspirations.
Despite these challenges, JAMB has been unwavering in its stance on the age limit, claiming that the policy is designed to ensure that candidates are mature enough to handle the demands of tertiary education.
However, for many Nigerian students who find themselves affected by the age policy, this reasoning feels disconnected from the realities of their experiences and aspirations.
The introduction of the mock UTME does not offer a long-term solution to these systemic problems.
As the 2025 UTME approaches, Nigerian youths continue to face an uncertain future when it comes to accessing higher education.
The hope for many is that future reforms in the education system will be more inclusive and will take into consideration the diverse needs and circumstances of Nigerian students, particularly those who are keen to pursue university education but are hindered by age-related policies.
Until then, the mock UTME, while helpful in some cases, remains a temporary solution to a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
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